Joe Theismann gave Dwayne Haskins his blessing to wear his former jersey number, 7, but the Washington Redskins legend feels the rookie quarterback shouldn’t start this season.
Centered around Haskins only starting one season while at Ohio State before going to the NFL and a brutal opening schedule for Washington, Theismann prefers the Redskins “protect the future” by taking time before throwing Haskins out on the field.
“I would definitely say he shouldn’t start,” Theismann said on 106.7 the Fan’s Pollin and Loverro radio show. “Our first five games are in Philly, Dallas at home, Chicago on a Monday night, then we get the Giants, and then we get New England. The young man’s played 13 football games. What in that whole entire description makes any sense or convinces you he should play?”
Haskins, who was selected 15th overall in April’s NFL Draft, is set to compete against Case Keenum during training camp for the Redskins’ starting quarterback position. However, Joe Theismann believes Washington has the luxury let Haskins sit and develop with the injured Colt McCoy returning for training camp.
“To me, the best scenario for Dwayne would be this: Is to sit this year, Case plays, Colt (McCoy) comes back, is healthy enough to be able to be in competition and/or a part of the ball club … and give Dwayne a chance to process everything.
“I think the young man is our future and let’s protect the future instead of throwing it out there right now and saying, ‘Go get em.'”
During his previous five seasons, Redskins head coach Jay Gruden has been reluctant to carry only two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. He hasn’t had a quarterback of the future with two capable veteran quarterbacks. That could lead to a unique circumstance for Gruden in 2019.
