Grossman replaces McNabb at quarterback

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Washington Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said Friday backup quarterback Rex Grossman would start in place of Donovan McNabb for the rest of the season.

Grossman's first start will come Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.

McNabb, who led Philadelphia to four straight NFC titles during an 11-year career with the Eagles, was obtained in a trade last summer. He signed a long-term contract extension last month.

Washington has a 5-8 record with McNabb having started every game this season. Shanahan said, however, it was time to get a look at what Grossman can do.

"I talked to Donovan after practice (Thursday) and I told him that once we were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs that I made a decision to start Rex Grossman," Shanahan said. "I want to get a feel on how Rex runs our offense the next three weeks. I also told him (McNabb) that the next two weeks, following the Dallas game, that John Beck would be the backup quarterback so that I can see him in his role."

Grossman replaced McNabb late in a game against Detroit Oct. 31 with the Redskins trailing by six points. Grossman fumbled away the first snap he took and the Lions went on to score a touchdown that clinched the game.

McNabb has completed 58.3 percent of his passes this season for 3,377 yards with 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. His passer rating of 77.1 is his lowest since his rookie year of 1999.