Dwayne Haskins has been named the Washington Football Team’s starting quarterback. Head coach Ron Rivera made the official announcement Wednesday.
Washington entered training camp with an expected competition at quarterback between Haskins and Kyle Allen, whom Washington acquired from Carolina in a trade. However, it was clear as training camp progressed, Haskins was the lead quarterback.
Since being hired by Washington, Rivera challenged Haskins publicly, as he repeatedly referenced a competition at quarterback, including tossing the notion of the returning Alex Smith being in the mix. Yet, Haskins answered the bell. He transformed his body, working out with a number of high-profiled wide receivers in the off-season.
His transformation was evident in practice, taking the lead and stamping the endorsement of a number of his teammates.
The second-year pro had taken majority of the first-team reps throughout camp. Rivera admitted with no preseason games, there was no room for the competition he desired.
"Dwayne has lived up to everything we've talked about since January."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 2, 2020
Still, Rivera was pleased with Haskins’ progression on and off the field. Unlike last season where he started his rookie season behind journeyman Case Keenum, Haskins is afforded the opportunity to be the man under center from day one.
Washington opens its season at home against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 13.
