Absent the purple drank and house foreclosure, Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins’ pro career looks a lot like former Raiders signal-caller JaMarcus Russell’s playing days. And that’s not a good thing. Haskins, Pittsburgh’s third-string quarterback, seems destined to join Russell on the unemployment line after Steelers coaches referred to the third-year pro as “lazy.”
Dwayne haskins (3) and Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks, practice during the NFL minicamp football practice in Pittsburgh on Thursday, June 17, 2021.
(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Early Monday morning, NFL Network’s Aditi Kinkhabwala reported that Haskins, who was elevated to the number two quarterback on Sunday with Ben Roethlisberger missing the game because of Covid, spent pregame warmups “throwing lousy passes and checking his phone.” Russell’s pregame approach is more in line with that of Daniel Jones and Kyler Murray, both of whom were first-round selections in 2019.
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Hakins (7), walking on the field prior to the start of an NFL Football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday Dec. 27, 2020 in Landover, Md.
(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
The 24-year old Haskins’ lackadaisical approach had Steelers coaches in disbelief. “Look at that! It’s ridiculous! That’s just lazy,” remarked the coaching staff, per Kinkhabwala.
After being drafted 15th overall, Haskins spent less time in Washington than two seasons. After struggling in the starting position against Carolina, Haskins was released last December. His brief time in the nation’s capital was filled with shaky decisions on and off the field. He threw more interceptions than touchdowns (14 to 12), was often late to meetings, was photographed maskless at a strip club during the NFL’s strictest period of Covid protocols and had his captaincy removed.
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Hakins (7) before the NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, December 20, 2020 in Landover, Md.
(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Pittsburgh gambled on Haskins last winter by signing him to a one year deal. In a domestic dispute in Vegas, Haskins lost his tooth months after signing with Steelers. He Is yet to appear in a game and has spent all but one weekend as the Steelers’ third quarterback.
Russell was the top pick in 2007’s draft and spent three seasons in NFL. Coincidentally, 2021 is Haskins’ third pro season and like Russell, he might not get a fourth.
Source: Fox News
