Robert Griffin III has been cleared to play in the Washington Redskins’ regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. The announcement was made on Thursday by team coach Mike Shanahan.
Dr. James Andrews pretty much already cleared RG III when he allowed him to participate in team training exercises earlier in the off-season.
Griffin was examined on Thursday as a formality in order to have one more look at his surgically repaired right knee. The knee was examined right before Washington walloped Tampa Bay with a Thursday night 30-12 final.
Following the doctor’s assessment, coach Shanahan said:
“I did talk to Dr. Andrews. He’s going to approve Robert can play. There are a couple concerns that he has. I’ll talk to Robert over the weekend and I’ll let [the media] know on Monday where we’re at.”
After Thursday night’s game, coach Shanahan refused to answer if he will open the teams season opener on September 9 against Philadelphia. That game is one of two Monday Night Football contests on ESPN.
Questions of concern remained for Redskins fans during the off-season and pre-season as RG III nursed several torn ligaments he sustained during a hit against Seattle last season.
Shanahan and his son, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, have both spoken at length this week about how good Griffin has looked during practice.
Speaking earlier in the week Griffin told ESPN 980 radio that he feels 100 percent. He even bragged about still being able to run a 4.3 second 40-yard dash. Griffin says his knee even feels better than before the injury.
Dr. Andrews was relieved when Mike Shanahan heeded his advice and didn’t allow Griffin to play in pre-season games.
The teams star quarterback will be continually monitored as the season progresses.
Following the doctors assessment Griffin posted the following tweet:
Operation Patience….Complete. Cleared. To God Be The Glory http://t.co/GxYMw8Cs57
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 30, 2013
