Former Washington first-round draft pick Dwayne Haskins was in the news again this week after allegedly disappointing Steelers coaches with how he warmed up in preparation for Sunday’s home contest against the Detroit Lions.
Haskins was for the first time in the 2021 season dressing and active. He was the backup to starter Mason Rudolph who was pushed into the starting role due to Ben Roethlisberger having tested positive for Covid-19.
What occurred Sunday is not altogether certain.
Mason Rudolph has had 4 years to show who he is. Dwayne Haskins, ostensibly one play from his 1st game action yesterday, spent warm-ups throwing lousy passes & checking his phone. Ben Roethlisberger may not be who he once was, but there’s a reason he’s your QB, #Steelers fans. https://t.co/MyQYaMTqeb
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) November 15, 2021
Some Steelers fans responded feeling the report/tweet was unfair, stating other QBs also use their phones in warmups to listen to their own music.
Haskins had repeatedly struggled in the 2020 season, and reportedly had broken team protocols regarding COVID on more than one occasion. After a home loss to Seattle, Haskins was photographed with several women, which some reports claimed were strippers. Haskins was subsequently disciplined by Rivera in removing Haskins’ role as captain, and he was also fined $40,000.
The next week in a home game against Carolina, Haskins was intercepted twice, lost a fumble, and was simply ineffective. He was pulled by Rivera for Taylor Heinicke, who had been signed originally to simply be the quarantine QB.
Two days later, Rivera released Haskins.
Kinkhabwala has stood by her report, claiming to have overheard Steelers’ team staff commenting concerning Haskins approach to last week’s pregame warmup.
Meanwhile, Steelers’ defensive tackle Alex Highsmith and offensive coordinator Matt Canada have both offered statements supporting Haskins’ approach and work thus far this season.
Haskins experienced the embarrassment of being released so early in his career. Hopefully, he has learned from his immaturity in Washington and matures in his craft — time will tell.