Being benched does not mean Dwayne Haskins is done in Washington, at least that appears to be the message his head coach is relaying. Talking to reporters Friday, Ron Rivera emphasized “by no means” is he giving up on Haskins.
Haskins was benched from starter to No. 3 on the depth chart this week after being subpar through the first four games of the season. He completed 61% of his passes for 939 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. His 30.6 QBR is last in the NFL. Kyle Allen will start at quarterback Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
Rivera insists the decision to switch quarterbacks was “no indictment” on Haskins. Instead, Washington being one-half game out of first place in the lowly NFC East despite a 1-3 record being the primary reason for the change. However, Haskins’ poor preparation and practice habits led to his benching, according to a Washington Post report.
Nonetheless, it may be premature to write off Haskins in a Washington uniform.
Rivera has added Allen will be evaluated on a game-by-game basis. If Allen does struggle, Alex Smith, who missed all of 2019 due to a horrific leg injury in November 2018, could become Washington’s starting quarterback next.
Not playing could be an opportunity for Haskins to develop, especially with no OTAs or preseason due to the COVID-19 pandemic to get more acclimated in offensive coordinator Scott Turner’s system. The 23-year old has two years remaining on his rookie deal. If he make the strides necessary, Rivera could be turning back to Haskins sometime in the future.
