Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera stripped quarterback Dwayne Haskins of his captaincy as part of his punishment for violating the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols. However, Haskins will start Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, if Alex Smith is unable to play due to a right calf strain.
Rivera informed Haskins he was no longer a captain on Monday. He added Haskins was “truthful” when confronted about the social media posts showing him at a party with strippers while not wearing a mask, according to Sam Fortier of the Washington Post. Haskins gave a “very genuine” apology in person to his teammates.
Washington worked out a deal with the league to allow Haskins to practice Wednesday. He took first-team reps while Smith was limited in practice. Additionally, Haskins will attend team meetings virtually this week.
Stripping Haskins of his captain tag is just part of his punishment, which also included a fine. But suspension appears off the table, especially considering Washington may need him to start under center in the event Smith misses his second straight game.
Washington (6-8) can clinch the NFC East division title with a win and a loss by the New York Giants (5-9) against the Baltimore Ravens.
Taylor Heinicke, who the team signed on Saturday from the practice squad, took some first-team snaps. He and undrafted rookie Steven Montez are listed behind Dwayne Haskins on the depth chart.
