McCoy to start for Redskins vs. Patriots

Jay Gruden has decided on his starting quarterback for this week.

The Washington Redskins head coach announced Friday that Colt McCoy will make his 2019 debut and start Sunday's game against the New England Patriots.

"I decided a long time ago. We're starting Colt and we'll go from there," Gruden said.

Gruden added that he'll wait until Saturday to see how Case Keenum's foot recovers before determining a backup quarterback.

Keenum started the first four games of the season but was ineffective. He was only a limited participant in Thursday's practice and was seen in a walking boot this week.

The journeyman quarterback has thrown for 970 yards and seven touchdowns this season but also has four interceptions and two lost fumbles while leading a Redskins team that has started the year 0-4.

Keenum was replaced by rookie Dwayne Haskins during Week 4's drubbing at the hands of the New York Giants. The Redskins have appeared cautious about throwing their first-round pick into the fire. He completed 9 of 17 passes while throwing three interceptions in a relief role Sunday.

Rather than tab the rookie for his first career start against the league's No. 1 defense, Gruden chose the more experienced McCoy against the defending champs.

McCoy was expected to be a part of the offseason quarterback competition, but he was still recovering from a broken fibula suffered in Week 13 of last year.

Reports emerged Friday that Gruden was against the idea of using the team's No. 15 pick in the draft on Haskins and preferred a more experienced college passer. Haskins has reportedly sensed he was not his coach's first choice.