Keenum named starter and other updates

August 25, 2019

by Steve Thomas

The Washington Redskins have officially named Case Keenum as the team’s starting quarterback for game one of the 2019 season.  Head coach Jay Gruden made the announcement at his daily press conference today, stating, “I think as it stands right now, we’ll start with Case [Keenum] at the opener and Dwayne [Haskins] will get himself ready to play and we’ll go from there. Anytime you come in as one or two or three quarterback, you’ve got to get yourself ready to play at all times.”

Gruden additionally commented on his plan going forward in the season, providing that “[w]e anticipate Case [Keenum] producing. He produces, he’s got nothing to worry about. Moving forward we intend on Case being the guy.”

Keenum was signed by the Houston Texans in 2012 as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Houston.  In his NFL career, he’s played in 57 games, starting 54, completing 1,144 of 1,844 passes for 12,661 yards, 62% completion percentage, 64 touchdowns, 42 interceptions, with a 84.5 quarterback rating.  His most successful year came with the Vikings in 2017, highlighted by one of the most miraculous last-second wins in NFL history over the New Orleans Saints in the Divisional round of the playoffs.  During that campaign, Keenum posted a 67.2 percent completion percentage and a 98.3 quarterback rating.  He was not as successful for the Denver Broncos in 2018, however, starting all 16 games, completing 62.3% of his passes and posting a quarterback rating of 81.2.  He was traded to the Redskins on March 13, 2019, for a sixth round pick.

Keenum has seemingly been in the lead for the starting role for all of training camp, with longtime backup Colt McCoy still recovering from his broken fibia suffered last season and prized rookie Dwayne Haskins in the third string role.

Keenum also commented on today’s announcement, telling assembled media, “I’m excited. I really am. I don’t take it lightly, the opportunity, the position that I’m in to be a Week 1 starter. You know, I’ve been there before and I know that it’s a tough job and there’s only 32 of them. I’m very honored to wear the Burgundy, to be the Redskins quarterback. I’m excited to continue to earn the right to be the leader for this team, to be the quarterback for this team. That’s what I want to come in here every day and earn that right.”

This move seemingly closes the door on Gruden favorite McCoy being ready for the start of the season.  Gruden declined to give an update today on McCoy today, merely providing, “I don’t know. I don’t know how long that will be.”

In other news, Gruden also confirmed that star tight end Jordan Reed is in the concussion protocol after suffering a seemingly dirty helmet to helmet hit from Falcons safety Keanu Neal.  Reed will have to be cleared by an independent physician before a timetable can be established for his return.

Gruden additionally mentioned that starting slot corner Fabian Moreau has an appointment on Tuesday regarding his ankle injury, so the team should have a clearer timetable for his return at that time.  Gruden also provided an update on linebacker Jordan Brailford, stating that the rookie is still “a couple” weeks away from return from a groin injury.  Second year corner Adonis Alexander practiced fully today after suffering a quad injury earlier this month.