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The Washington Redskins like most teams in the NFL only have two quarterbacks active on game day. In fact, the Redskins only have two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. So when Alex Smith had to be carted off the field Sunday with a broken leg, Washington was in need of a quarterback against the Houston Texans as Colt McCoy had to take the field in Smith’s place.
That’s where wide receiver Trey Quinn comes into play. The rookie seventh-round pick was the emergency quarterback, according to head coach Jay Gruden.
Trey Quinn would have been the QB if McCoy had gone down, Gruden said.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) November 18, 2018
Quinn isn’t known for his quarterback skills, but he once threw a no-hitter during the Little League World Series. He made the NFL as a wide receiver, breaking the Louisiana state record in receptions, and receiving yards before attending LSU and then transferring to SMU.
It’s odd that Quinn was the choice, considering tight end Jordan Reed actually played quarterback in high school and college. He was initially recruited as a quarterback by the University of Florida. He also took snaps at quarterback for Florida, throwing three touchdowns and one interception as a freshman before he was converted into a tight end.
One would have to consider that Reed was better serve as a tight end. He has through the years been a favorite target of a quarterback whether it was Kirk Cousins, Smith or McCoy. His skill set is that dynamic. He caught a touchdown pass from McCoy in the third quarter.
Fortunately for the Redskins, the dire need to play either was not warranted. As for Thursday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, Washington is working out a handful of quarterbacks and will more than likely sign a backup quarterback.
