Washington Waives Second-Year Quarterback Dwayne Haskins

In a move that can only be classified as a surprise, the Washington Football Team has announced they have waived second-year quarterback Dwayne Haskins with one week left to go in the regular season.

The move comes just hours after coach Ron Rivera announced that if starting quarterback Alex Smith is not able to play Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, Haskins would not be the starter. The team would go with Taylor Heinicke at quarterback instead.

Washington released a statement regarding the Monday roster move.

Haskins was pulled during Sunday's 20-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers after he led the team to just six points.

In the seven-point loss, Haskins went 14-for-28 for 154 yards with two interceptions. He was also sacked twice.

Washington will play in a "do or die" game Sunday against the Eagles with the NFC East title on the line.

If Washington wins, they take home the division title. If they lose, they will miss the postseason.

Haskins, the former Ohio State quarterback, went 1-5 as a starter this season, and overall 3-10 in two seasons as starter.

Last year, he was the 15th overall pick in the draft. He initially showed signs of promise, throwing for 1365 yards, seven touchdowns and seven picks.

This season, he appeared to take a step backwards. He carried a QB rating of 30.7 and threw for 1439 yards with five touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Haskins got in trouble with the team off the field as well, after pictures of him at a strip club not wearing a mask came out a few weeks ago.

Rivera said he discussed the incident with Haskins. Haskins then released a statement stating that he “took full responsibility for putting the team at risk.” He also issued an apology to his teammates for “creating a distraction during our playoff push.”

Heinicke came into Sunday's loss against the Panthers and led Washington to their only offensive touchdown during the loss. He threw for 137 yards and had a QB rating of 102.3.