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Redskins 53-man roster projection: Pre-preseason Week 1 vs. Browns

By Russell Shavatt

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 7: Guard Gabe Jackson #66 and tackle Donald Penn #72 of the Oakland Raiders prepare to block on a play against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter on December 7, 2014 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 24-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 7: Guard Gabe Jackson #66 and tackle Donald Penn #72 of the Oakland Raiders prepare to block on a play against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter on December 7, 2014 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 24-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – NOVEMBER 25: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to throw a pass in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines on November 25, 2017 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – NOVEMBER 25: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to throw a pass in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines on November 25, 2017 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Quarterback (3)

Case Keenum, Dwayne Haskins, Colt McCoy

The Redskins will most assuredly keep three quarterbacks on the roster after having to sign journeymen quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Josh Johnson after injuries to Alex Smith and Colt McCoy last year.

Keeping three quarterbacks on the active roster could mean bad news for another player on the roster bubble, but having to choose between Johnson and Sanchez played a role in the Redskins missing the playoffs after starting the season strong.  Gruden has stated that all three quarterbacks at camp are in competition in order to decide the starter for Week 1.

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Keenum should get the start in Week 1 after being acquired from the Denver Broncos via a trade in the off-season.  Last year, the veteran quarterback had a tumultuous season with Denver, but he had tremendous success with the Minnesota Vikings in 2017.  Keenum led the Vikings to the NFC championship game where the team lost to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Keenum must return to form, and show well in training camp if he is to get the nod to start Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles.  Keep an eye on his ability to protect the ball early in the season.  If turnovers become an issue, Haskins could see the field quicker than expected.

Haskins, the Redskins 15th overall selection in the first round of the 2019 draft, should vie for playing time if Keenum falters during the season.  The Redskins will face a tough schedule in the early part of the season to include games against the Eagles, Cowboys, Bears, Giants, Patriots, and Dolphins.  If the team plays poorly, Jay Gruden will have no choice but to put in the rookie from Ohio State.  The biggest question facing Haskins remains, will he be ready?  He was only the full-time starter at Ohio State for one year before being drafted into the NFL.

McCoy is entering his sixth year with the team.  While he knows Jay Gruden’s offense better than the other two quarterbacks, he has been passed over in previous seasons when the starting job has become available to the likes of Kirk Cousins and Alex Smith.

McCoy will provide adequate depth at the position if the other two players face injury, or if Haskins struggles when given the opportunity.  His best season with the club came in 2014 when he started four games, and finished with 1,057 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.  Colt McCoy tends to struggle with turnovers, arm strength, and maintaining the ability to stay healthy.

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