Redskins To Start Case Keenum In Week 1

The Redskins will turn to Case Keenum as their Week 1 starter. While this was expected, given Colt McCoy‘s health and Dwayne Haskins‘ developmental status, Jay Gruden made it official, per ESPN.com’s John Keim (on Twitter).

This will mark Keenum’s third Week 1 start in four seasons — each for different teams, with the Rams and Broncos also turning to him since 2016. It should be expected Haskins takes over at some point this season, and McCoy was slotted atop Washington’s initial depth chart. But for now, Keenum will lead the Redskins’ offense.

The Rams gave Keenum nine starts in 2016 before Jared Goff replaced him. It is unclear how quickly the team will turn to Haskins. Keenum threw for a career-high 3,890 yards last season, to go along with 18 touchdown passes. He could not match his surprisingly high-end 2017 slate, when he led all QBs in DVOA, and the Broncos jettisoned the 31-year-old passer after one season. Keenum’s 46.9 QBR figure was 31st last season.

Gruden said recently McCoy may be sidelined into the regular season, which would leave Haskins as Washington’s top backup. Keenum struggled in 2018 but did make all 16 starts for the Broncos.

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