Despite the large number of NFL alumni that believe Kirk Cousins is currently outplaying Robert Griffin III in the preseason, the Washington Redskins will stick with their original plan of having Griffin remain the starter in Week 1. Head coach Jay Gruden and Cousins himself confirmed the depth chart midway through the preseason and noted it would stay that way. So normally, Cousins would get the most play in the preseason finale. However, the Redskins have announced the backup will also sit on Thursday night leading many to believe a trade could be coming.
Colt McCoy will start the final game of the Redskins' preseason campaign. Naturally, Griffin will not see the field since he is the starter and Washington wants to avoid all injuries, but they are taking the same approach with Cousins. If the Redskins are trying to downplay the trade rumors currently circling the quarterback, they are doing a terrible job. The preseason finale is meant for the backup to get his last bit of playing time before the season, but sitting Cousins hints that there might be something in the works under the table.
The St. Louis Rams have lost Sam Bradford for the season and many speculate they will look to make a trade after these final set of games. Head coach Jeff Fisher continues to voice his confidence in Shaun Hill, but the team is already struggling with quality depth the position and now are down to a rookie and a second-year quarterback as their options is something were to happen to the veteran.
A trade makes sense and Cousins has done enough this preseason to prove that he could be a viable option for the Rams. It is unclear exactly what Washington would want in return for the backup. They are aware his stock is relatively high right now, but Cousins is not worth anything higher than a fourth-round pick at best. The Rams might not be willing to give that up for a player that may or may not be a one-year rental.
No matter what happens with Cousins, he will not be starting for the Redskins this season. Gruden has heard all of comments saying the backup is outplaying the starter, but he stresses there is no ongoing quarterback controversy in Washington.