Robert Griffin III No Longer Cleared To Play Saturday
Robert Griffin III will not be in uniform when the Washington Redskins play the Baltimore Ravens Saturday night. According to ESPN, Griffin will be tested again in one to two weeks per Anthony Casolaro, M.D, an independent neurologist. Here is the full announcement from the official Washington Redskins Twitter account.
Upon further review by neuropsychologists, RGIII to be held out from gameplay this week & rested 1 to 2 weeks before returning to action.
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 28, 2015
This is just another incident in a long line of recent bizarre stories surrounding the second pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Griffin apparently suffered a concussion in a game against the Detroit Lions on August 20. When asked about it, Griffin stated that he “did not know” if he actually had a concussion, and you would have to talk to team doctors and officials.
While the team seemed to confirm that he indeed had a concussion, he was initially cleared to play for the game against the Ravens Saturday night, according to CBS Sports in a report yesterday. What changed in the past 24 hours is anyone’s guess. Redskins coach Jay Gruden has publicly criticized Griffin in the media numerous times regarding both his play and injury issues.
It appears as though Griffin’s teammates do not support the fourth year quarterback either. According to Jason Reid of ESPN, the offensive line is tired of Griffin throwing them under the bus and blaming offensive failures on them. He took to Twitter last night to discuss the issues.
Really curious to get @thecooleyzone take on Griffin's sidestep in his presser. This is why coaches have told me several O-linemen MORE
— Jason Reid (@JReidESPN) August 27, 2015
Don't like him. Winning off the field.
— Jason Reid (@JReidESPN) August 27, 2015
After those tweets by Reid appeared in the CBS Sports article referenced above, Reid again took to Twitter to clarify his comments.
I have been told that by several Redskins coaches over the years. This is not new. Merely pointed it out to provide context.
— Jason Reid (@JReidESPN) August 27, 2015
It appears as though the offensive lineman’s dislike for Griffin is nothing new, and it has been building up for a while now. The team dislikes his attitude and constant blaming of others for mistakes that he makes during games.
I really hoped Griffin would say that he made key mistakes in the pocket that made the O-line look worse than it played. Oh well.
— Jason Reid (@JReidESPN) August 27, 2015
While Griffin had an excellent 2012 rookie season, he has been regressing every year. Injuries and a failure to improve his accuracy have led to his 5-20 record since returning from LCL and ACL surgery after the 2012 season. Backup quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy have not exactly been much better. In 14 career games, Cousins has thrown for a below average 18 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. McCoy has thrown for 25 touchdowns and 23 interceptions in 33 career games.
Even if the Redskins decide to bench Robert Griffin III in favor of Kirk Cousins or Colt McCoy, they still owe him $16 million for the 2016 season according to Yahoo. The decision to pick up his contract for the 2016 season was extremely puzzling at the time. Griffin has not performed well the past few seasons, he is often injured, and his coaches and teammates seem to dislike him. Regardless of Griffin’s health, both Cousins and McCoy have a real chance to take away his job as the starting quarterback of the Washington Redskins.
[Image via Matt Hazlett/Getty Images]
