Washington Football Team announced Wednesday, Kyle Allen will start at quarterback Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, benching second-year QB Dwayne Haskins. Meanwhile, Alex Smith not Haskins will serve as Allen’s backup, according to Washington’s Sr. VP of Media Julie Donaldson.
The demotion to third string shows Washington has closed the door on Haskins. His benching comes after starting 11 games in the NFL through two seasons with three head coaches.
Last week, Haskins had his best statistical game of his career, throwing for 314 yards on 32-of-45 passes in a 31-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. But the narrative after the game was head coach Ron Rivera’s frustration over Haskins’ opting to check down a pass on 4th-and-goal from the 13-yard line in the fourth quarter. Haskins was instructed to throw to the end zone. While he completed the pass, Washington turned over the ball on downs at the 8-yard line.
In 13 career games, Haskins has completed 59.6% of his passes for 2,304 yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He has a career QB rating of 77.8.
Meanwhile the other story, is Alex Smith moving up the depth chart to No. 2. Smith will be active for the first time this season Sunday against the Rams. His promotion signifies an incredible comeback to this point from his devastating leg injury he suffered on November 18, 2018.
Smith endured 17 surgeries to repair his compound fracture that broke his fibula and tibia and combat a series of bacterial infections that nearly led to amputation of his leg.
After missing all of the 2019 season and having his career in doubt, Smith rehabbed his way back this season, making Washington’s 53-man roster. As he progressed, he split scouting team reps with Allen as Rivera said “the rust coming off” of Smith.
Now, after all he has encountered with the injury, Alex Smith is one step closer to getting on the football field once again.
