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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins was largely criticized for his poor study and practice habits during his time with the Washington Football Team. If recent reports are true, things haven't improved that much after he changed teams.
On Sunday, Haskins was elevated as the backup quarterback to Mason Rudolph after starting QB Ben Roethlisberger was ruled out due to COVID-19. Instead of preparing for the crucial game against the Detroit Lions, where he could possibly make his first play, the 24-year-old reportedly didn't get serious at all.
According to Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL Network, Haskins was even seen checking his phone prior to the showdown:
“Dwayne Haskins, ostensibly one play from his 1st game action yesterday, spent warm-ups throwing lousy passes & checking his phone. …” Kinkhabwala wrote in response to a tweet regarding Roethlisberger's absence.
That is certainly not a good look for Dwayne Haskins, and it surely doesn't improve his chances of getting playing time under center for Mike Tomlin's squad.
Haskins didn't play against the Lions. Of course, the Steelers had a hard time overall against Detroit, with the game ending in a 16-16 tie after overtime, so it might have been difficult for Tomlin to change QBs since it could get out of hand with just one mistake.
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For what it's worth, while some fans are disappointed by the development, others also defended Haskins and claimed that the issue may have been overblown. After all, players — not only Haskins — check their phones before games for music and other reasons not so uncommon:
Wow, what an unprovoked shot at Haskins here. Professional. Truly. Ever think he was listening to music and changing the song like…every other player Aditi? https://t.co/1hV000rv76
— Josh Carney (@ByJoshCarney) November 15, 2021
Why are you framing Dwayne in such a negative light? Players be on their phones during warmups for music and other reasons…it’s not uncommon. https://t.co/S9Y4PZrKaR
— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) November 15, 2021
This is Ignorant. Every player has their phone during warm ups. You have 0 clue what he is doing on his phone. Could be changing songs or reading a prayer for all you know. Reporting has to have more value then this! Don’t be a reporter reporting TRASH! Because you miss a player https://t.co/PGoWAKm3Wr
— Dion Bailey (@dbailey_18) November 15, 2021
It remains to be seen how Dwayne Haskins, Mike Tomlin and the Steelers will respond to the issue, though it will surely be a talking point considering the team's recent struggles and the need for every player to be locked in and focused.
