With Robert Griffin III not scheduled to play during the Redskins' fourth preseason game, rookie Kirk Cousins will start for Washington against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Cousins, a fourth-round pick out of Michigan State, will make his first NFL start. He's played well at times during the preseason, including the Redskins' second preseason game against Chicago, where he threw for 264 yards and three touchdowns. He will look to have another strong performance as the Redskins close out the preseason.

"I want to have a sharp performance," Cousins said, according to the Washington Post. "I want to show the coaches what I'm capable of and show the rest of the NFL as well what I'm capable of. But I think as important as playing well, the opportunity to play gives me a great opportunity to learn and to grow and to have that game film of myself playing to be able to go back and evaluate. And that, in and of itself, is a major benefit."

He is likely to be the third quarterback this season, behind Griffin and backup Rex Grossman. In three preseason games, Cousins has completed 27 of 46 passes for 338 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

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