The Pittsburgh Steelers will start Dwayne Haskins in their preseason finale Friday against the Carolina Panthers — an opportunity for the former Washington starter to possibly lock down a roster spot.
Haskins, 24, has not only been in a battle with Mason Rudolph to be the Steelers’ second-string quarterback, but he must also solidify his spot on Pittsburgh’s 53-man roster when cuts are made next week.
The Steelers signed Haskins in January to a one-year, $850,000 contract months after Washington cut him during the 2019 first-rounder’s second season, though the contract contains no guaranteed money — making him easily expendable.
Coach Mike Tomlin said Wednesday that neither starter Ben Roethlisberger nor Rudolph will play Friday. According to ESPN, Rudolph’s healthy scratch is an indication that he “has all but locked up the backup job.”
Haskins has drawn praise from the Steelers this offseason and has played well in the preseason. Through three games, Haskins has thrown for 217 yards and a touchdown and has completed 66.6% of his passes (28 of 42). The Steelers played an extra preseason game this year because they were featured in the Hall of Fame Game.
Coincidentally, Haskins’ last start in an NFL game came against the Panthers. He went just 14 of 28 for 154 yards and threw two interceptions before being benched for Taylor Heinicke in Washington’s loss. Washington released Haskins the next day, putting an end to a drama-filled tenure.
Beyond Haskins’ poor play on the field, Washington also fined him multiple times for violating the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols, including for an incident in which he was caught partying maskless at a strip club hours after a team loss.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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