Robert Griffin III like will play on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. But the rookie quarterback sure gave the team a scare.
There are still some hurdles Griffin has to clear before getting the nod for Sunday. Shanahan Griffin saw an independent neurologist Monday evening. He did not experienced any dizziness or headaches on Monday, and Shanahan said that the star rookie is “feeling good.”
“We should find out in the next few days exactly what happens,” Shanahan said. “Right now it looks good. I’m not really sure if it stays that way. The professionals will monitor his situation and let us know if able he’s able to play or not. We surely have nothing to do with it.”
Griffin might participate in a cardio workout Tuesday and will practice Wednesday if he continues to avoid concussion-related symptoms. Shanahan acknowledged that the No. 2 overall draft pick will play in Week 6 if he is able to practice this week.
Griffin is not allowed to speak to reporters until he is symptom-free. He was knocked out of Sunday’s 24-17 loss in the third quarter on a legal hit to the helmet by linebacker Sean Weatherspoon while scrambling near the sideline.
“In my experience, when the quarterback gets that first hit like he received, they slide a little bit sooner in plays to come,” Shanahan said. “They kind of protect themselves a little bit more.”
About three hours after the game, Griffin tweeted: “I’m ok and I think after all the testing I will play next week.”
NFL rules require a player who has been diagnosed by the team medical staff as having a concussion to sit out the rest of the game. He also can’t return to practice or game action until a team doctor and independent neurologist clear him.
The NFL will review how the Redskins handled the release of information surrounding Griffin’s concussion, league spokesman Greg Aiello told NFL.com. NFL rules mandate timely and accurate reporting by teams when they release injury information, and the Redskins’ initial description that Griffin was “shaken up” might not meet those standards.
Rookie Kirk Cousins would start if Griffin cannot.
“Kirk has been No. 2 for a reason, because we feel like he’s earned that right,” Shanahan said. “We feel very good about him and where he’s at, but we also have a lot of confidence in Rex (Grossman) as well.”
