Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins (3) passes against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback Dwayne Haskins will have one last audition to make the Pittsburgh Steelers when he gets the start in the team’s final preseason game.
Neither Ben Roethlisberger nor primary backup Mason Rudolph will play Friday against the Carolina Panthers. With the Panthers planning to play their starters, Haskins will get his first shot at a first-string defense this preseason.
“I’m just interested in seeing him play more,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Wednesday. “This process is fair in that everybody gets an opportunity to show their skillset, and we work hard to get to know them. He’s new to us, and so the additional reps and exposure is good for him and for us to get to know him.”
Josh Dobbs will get the call to replace Haskins against the Panthers.
Tomlin also said rookie running back Najee Harris will not play Friday night. Benny Snell will get the nod in his first preseason action.
Haskins signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh in January after his release by the Washington Football Team in December 2020. He was taken No. 15 overall in the 2019 draft.
He has played in all three preseason games for Pittsburgh. His best showing came against Philadelphia as he went 16-for-22 for 161 passing yards and a touchdown.
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–Field Level Media