Sunak, Mordaunt, Johnson? Contenders who could replace Truss as starting quarterback
Updated at 8:02 pm: After one preseason game, we have a good idea of who needs to start for the Redskins at quarterback, but the battle of the backups has yet to get underway.
As the first preseason game against the Patriots continues this evening at the FedExField, here’s a look at the quarterbacks most likely to get the call. (And a quick-fire look at the backups.)
For now, let’s start with the likely starters.
John Beck
Preseason stats: 3-6, 85.8 passer rating
Beck was the starter for two years at USC, starting eight of 11 games, including five regular-season games. He served a four-game suspension for violating team rules.
He appeared in eight practices before going on injured reserve Aug. 30 due to ankle inflammation. It is possible he’ll return for opening day, but he probably has a better than 50-50 chance of being on the starting roster.
Beck played well in the preseason, going 5/8 for 75 yards, but he’s not ready for Week 1.
Case Keenum
Preseason stats: 3-5, 79.9 passer rating
A second-year backup, Keenum spent the first part of training camp last year in the lead role. But he took over for Blaine Gabbert in the preseason finale and appeared to be his most polished outing.
With Josh Doctson gone to Arizona, Keenum gets the start. The Redskins have no depth behind him, and he is unlikely to start Week 1.
Mike Davis
Preseason stats: 1-4, 21.9 passer rating
Davis is the sixth-year backup. Davis started eight of 11 games in his first four seasons behind Alex Smith, including two-thirds of the games through the regular season.
He has only started three NFL games, starting one. He threw one interception and no touchdowns in two years as San Francisco’s starter
