The Washington Redskins are once again making a move at the quarterback position. This is certainly not how Jay Gruden say his first season as head coach going, but an injury to Robert Griffin III and turnovers from Kirk Cousins have forced the start of third-string quarterback, Colt McCoy. The Redskins play the Dally Cowboys in Week 8, a rivalry matchup, and Gruden is hoping to have his starter back and healthy, but if not then the job goes to McCoy.
McCoy saw his first bit of action with the Redskins in Week 7 when he replaced Cousins after the backup added two more interceptions to his name. Gruden was forced to make the change and the result was a touchdown drive and a game-winning field as time expired. McCoy got the win, something Cousins was unable to do during his time under center which means the third-stringer gets the start on Sunday pending the health of Griffin.
"He does have great intangibles," Gruden said, via ESPN.com. "He's a very good competitor. I feel like he'll get us in the right play and make the right throw. I've always liked his demeanor. He has the intangibles to be a good quarterback. He has a great opportunity Monday."
Gruden is still holding out hope that Griffin proves to be healthy enough to play. The starter has been out with a dislocated ankle, but is starting to participate in individual drills. Gruden stresses that the team will be very cautious when it comes to putting Griffin out on the field, only doing so if everyone feels confident in his health.
"Robert has to be honest with himself in how he's feeling," Gruden said. "He has to get out there and run around. We'll give him more this week and see where he's at. But can he cut without pain? Can he run without pain? Is he full speed? Is it sturdy enough? Does he play good with the brace on? There's a lot of issues that still go into making him the starter or seeing if he's ready or not. If he says yes, then I have to feel comfortable putting Robert out there in the game."
For now, McCoy will take snaps with the first-team offense since Griffin has not been cleared to play. The quarterback completed 11 of 12 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown in his time on Sunday. Getting the start is just another chapter in the steep downfall of Cousins who at one point was being pegged as the future of the franchise.
