Report: Redskins expected to stick with Dwayne Haskins as starter

Nothing has been finalized yet, but per recent reports, the Redskins are expected to maintain Dwayne Haskins as their starting quarterback through the bye.

The Washington Redskins were forced to start first-round rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins in their Week 9 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, due to a concussion sustained by Case Keenum in Week 8 against the Vikings. Haskins didn’t wow anyone, but he showed growth, and from a rookie quarterback, that’s a great return in its own right.

Even with Haskins’ tangible growth, however, the offense’s production was subpar, and that subpar production led to hesitance from Bill Callahan when asked about who his starting quarterback would be after the bye week. Callahan turned away several questions pertaining to the matter, repeating his desire to take his time, go back to the tape, and self-scout first.

Callahan hasn’t yet come out with an official decision, but reports have surfaced that suggest the team is leaning one way in their decision. Per NFL insider Mike Garafolo, the expectation is that the Redskins will carry on with Haskins as their starting signal caller after the bye week.

The decision, if true, makes sense. Haskins has shown progression with reps this season. In Week 9, while the production aspect still remained absent in Haskins’ game, Haskins made a conscious effort to limit his mistakes, and he showed a better command at the line, inciting less miscommunication with the cadence and timing. He also displayed hints of impressive traits as a thrower, such as timing emphasis and linebacker manipulation. It’s not all there yet, and he’s not completely comfortable. But he’s making progress.

For the Redskins, the decision at hand shouldn’t be a decision at all. Washington spent a first-round pick on Haskins, and they need to get him the reps, to catalyze his development further. Sitting at 1-8 after nine games, there isn’t much of a point in reverting back to a veteran, and if these reports are accurate, then the Redskins are recognizing that.

Haskins will get a more opportunistic matchup coming out of the bye, as Washington will travel back home to host the 1-7 New York Jets, who recently lost to the Miami Dolphins. It’ll be chance for Haskins to open up his game a bit, compound the growth he displayed last week against Buffalo, and move into the season-ending stretch with confidence, composure, and a concrete starting role.