Pressers

Ron Rivera Presser: We talked this week, and Dwayne Haskins understands what’s expected of him

Ron Rivera speaks to the media after today’s practice

By Scott Jennings@ScottJenningsHH Oct 2, 2020, 3:00pm EDT

Ron Rivera was back at practice full-time today after missing Wednesday, and not speaking to the media yesterday. He has been receiving cancer treatments, and admits that this week has been difficult. Rivera is confident in his coaching staff, but he said they players don’t get the full gamut of coaching when he’s not out there with them. He expects to be coaching on the sidelines Sunday when the Washington Football team hosts the Baltimore Ravens.

Running back Antonio Gibson’s role has increased every week, and he expects him to have a breakout game soon. He has shown flashes every game, and has been close to busting out a few big plays. J.D. McKissic also has the potential for a breakout game. The coaches are learning where and how to play the versatile players they have on offense.

Dwayne Haskins Jr.s growth involves making the right throws in the right situations. Rivera wants to see him controlling the situation, and knowing the factors of every play. Rivera says they had a productive talk this week. Haskins understands what’s expected of him as the starter.

The next few weeks will determine the course of the season for Rivera. It will determine whether the team is fighting for a playoff spot, or whether they will truly focus on the future. Washington is in the weakest division in the NFL and is somehow still in 1st place at 1-2...

Injury Report:

INJURY REPORT:

OUT: Cole Holcomb, Steven Sims, Chase Young

QUESTIONABLE: Kevin Pierre-Louis (illness), Terry McLaurin, Ryan Anderson and Morgan Moses
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 2, 2020

Chase Young:

Rivera said that Chase Young is "day-by-day" at this point. He'll be out Sunday vs. Baltimore.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 2, 2020

Steven Sims Jr.:

Rivera said that Steven Sims Jr. reaggravated his toe injury, so the team decided it was best to let him rest.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 2, 2020

Bryce Love:

RB Bryce Love (knee) has been placed on IR. Not season-ending, per RR. Min. stay this year 3 weeks, so Love eligible to return Fri, Oct. 23, before home v DAL.

Rivera: "His knee's been swelling up on him the last couple days. ... This is about using the rules to our advantage."
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) October 2, 2020

Cancer treatments:

Ron Rivera on missing practices this week - feels players don't get the "full gamut" of coaching when he's not there to assist. pic.twitter.com/eRUigo8lL4
— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) October 2, 2020

Rivera said he is feeling good today. He was not at practice Wednesday and did not address the media Thursday.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) October 2, 2020

Rivera plans to coach Sunday, but says the last few days have been hard.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) October 2, 2020

Rivera has been coaching a new team, with cancer, during a pandemic. For him personally, he has tried to keep things as normal as possible. It's tough, he said, but he is also very fortunate with the care that he receives.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) October 2, 2020

Antonio Gibson:

Gibson's role has increased each week, and Rivera believes he is close to a breakout. He has shown flashes each game, and Rivera sees the potential.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) October 2, 2020

Rivera said RBs Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic are poised to break out.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 2, 2020

Dwayne Haskins Jr.:

Head Coach Ron Rivera spoke to the media about what he expects to see from Dwayne Haskins on Sunday.
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) October 2, 2020

Ron Rivera feels Dwayne Haskins has responded well this week in practices. pic.twitter.com/QGAWsl3V1w
— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) October 2, 2020

Rivera said growth for Haskins will be making the right throws and the right decisions. He wants to see Haskins controlling the situation and being aware of the factors surrounding each plays (down and distance, spot on the field).
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) October 2, 2020

Rivera said Haskins understands what it expected of him. The two had a "productive talk," Haskins said earlier in the week.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) October 2, 2020

Punt returns:

With Steven Sims out on Sunday, someone else will be returning punts for the Washington Football Team. Ron didn't tell us who though. Would imagine it'll be Stroman or Wright
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) October 2, 2020

Turning point in the season:

Ron Rivera said "the next few weeks will be telling" for his team. He feels that when the next couple of games pass, he'll have a better idea of whether to pursue the division or really focus on the future. Those two ideas are running close together right now
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) October 2, 2020