Breaking down the Redskins offensive backfield for 2020

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Derrius Guice #29 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball as Tavon Wilson #32 of the Detroit Lions defends during the first half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Derrius Guice #29 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball as Tavon Wilson #32 of the Detroit Lions defends during the first half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Redskins quarterback Alex Smith
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 18: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins in action in the first half against the Houston Texans at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

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When the Redskins opted to bring in Kyle Allen, as opposed to pursuing more established players like Cam Newton or Jameis Winston, they appeared to be saying that this is Haskins’ job to seize. He will get that chance.

Allen is not a threat to overtake him, but he can fill in adequately in the event of injury, as he did with modest success after Newton went down last year. If Allen ends up replacing a healthy Haskins, that is a terrible outcome for the team, and a sign that they will need to address the quarterback situation once again in preparation for 2021.

Montez is a big strong kid who is an ideal developmental player. Depending on how quickly he adapts to the pro game, he could serve as an emergency backup, and his upside is somewhat higher than that. But it is not wise to expect anything more from him in the short term.

Smith is the huge wild card. At this point, I find it almost inconceivable that Alex Smith will play professional football in 2020. If I am wrong about that, the role he assumes is difficult to figure. A fully healthy Alex Smith would be the Redskins starter. A somewhat diminished Smith might serve as a good backup mentor to Haskins. Thirty-five-year-old vets rarely return from a catostrophic injury at even close to their pre-injury level.