PRO FOOTBALL REPORT : WEEKDAY UPDATE : AROUND THE NFL : Rutledge Gets Redskins’ Starting Job
Jeff Rutledge’s three-touchdown rally has earned the 12-year backup the starting job in the Washington Redskins’ latest shuffle at quarterback.
Coach Joe Gibbs handed Rutledge the start next Monday against Philadelphia after he came off the bench to lead a 41-38 overtime comeback victory over the Detroit Lions.
“If Jeff can play for us and get in the playoffs, that would be fantastic,” Gibbs said. “Right now, Jeff’s going to get his chance. Hey, wouldn’t that be a great story?”
The start against the Eagles will be only Rutledge’s 10th in 12 NFL seasons.
In his first extensive action since 1988, Rutledge was 30 for 42 for 363 yards against the Lions, threw one touchdown pass and got the tying score with a 12-yard quarterback draw with 18 seconds left in regulation.
“I’ve played 12 years, but I haven’t played a whole lot,” Rutledge said. “This was the highlight of the short playing time in my long career. If I don’t play another play I’ve got that to look back on.”
The victory kept Washington (5-3) a game ahead of the Eagles in second place in the NFC East.
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