PITTSBURGH: For the first time since the implosion against the Carolina Panthers in Week 16 of the 2020 season, Dwayne Haskins will start a football game.
Haskins, who was vying for a spot on the Pittsburgh list of players, was given the starting lineup for the Steelers ’last preseason game against the Panthers, coach Mike Tomlin said Wednesday.
“Excited to give him a chance to see some reps against Carolina’s first group,” Tomlin said.
Haskins completed 14 of 28 154-yard attempts with two interceptions in early December against the Panthers and was replaced by Taylor Heinicke during the final two ways of the fourth quarter. He was released a day later.
The 2019 first team signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in January and has played well in the preseason. He was the second quarterback to enter the game after Mason Rudolph in the Hall of Fame and the next game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Against the Eagles, Haskins completed 16 of 22 attempts from 161 yards and one touchdown and led three more scoring records.
As the Panthers plan to play their starters, Friday will be Haskins ’first chance to go against a first-line defense in the preseason. Tomlin did not reveal how long Haskins will play before being replaced by Josh Dobbs.
“I’m just interested in seeing him play more,” Tomlin said of Haskins. “This process is fair, as everyone has the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and we work hard to get to know them. It’s new to us and therefore the additional reps and exposure are good for him and because we know him. “
Rudolph and Ben Roethlisberger will not play on Friday, indicating that Rudolph has almost closed the quarterback position.
Tomlin added that while many “regulars” will not play against the Panthers, many of the offensive liners will play while this group works to gain cohesion.
And while Tomlin’s initial plan required rookie Najee Harris to be able to play in each of the Steelers ’four preseason games, the coach acknowledged that the plan has changed and said Harris will not play on Friday.
Instead, runner Benny Snell, who hasn’t played in the preseason since he suffered a lower body injury, will get the start to “prove his health,” Tomlin said. And rookie Tre Norwood will have a chance to play nickel as the team continues to audition Mike Hilton’s substitutes.
“We’ll eliminate some of these guys to provide more snapshots to others,” Tomlin said of the top-tier players. “… There will be no speculation. These guys will have a chance to confront their skills, preparation and techniques against the university.”