Report: Washington to start Haskins vs. Panthers with Smith out

The Washington Football Team will start quarterback Dwayne Haskins in Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers as Alex Smith remains sidelined with a calf strain, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Smith practiced all week and got in a full session Friday, but the veteran quarterback's calf felt a bit sore Saturday, according to Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

Haskins can redeem himself by keeping Washington on track for the playoffs after being fined and stripped of his captaincy for violating COVID-19 protocols earlier in the week.

The sophomore signal-caller apologized to the team after being photographed at a strip club without a mask the same day his squad lost to the Seattle Seahawks.

Washington can clinch the NFC East with a win against the Panthers and a loss for the New York Giants, who play the Baltimore Ravens.