LANDOVER — Days after being benched, Dwayne Haskins is not at FedEx Field for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams and will be inactive, a source with knowledge of the situation said.
A source said Haskins is sick and was sent home. CBS 4, which first reported the news that Haskins will not be in attendance, reported that Haskins is battling a stomach virus. The network said he tested negative for COViD-19.
Haskins was not expected to be active for Sunday’s game, anyway. On Wednesday, coach Ron Rivera demoted Haskins to third-string and picked Kyle Allen to start against the Rams.
Haskins’ benching came after four starts in which Washington went 1-3. Washington did not see consistent growth in Haskins’ game and with a key three-game stretch upcoming against NFC East foes, Rivera went with the switch in an attempt to win now. The Philadelphia Eagles lead the NFC East with a 1-2-1 record and Washington views the division as up for grabs.
Alex Smith will backup Allen.
On Friday, Rivera voiced support for Haskins despite benching him.
“By no means have I given up on him,” Rivera said. “I just told you guys, the only reason I’m doing what I’m doing is because of the situations and circumstances we’re in right now.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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