Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, who suffered a mild concussion Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, has been cleared to practice without contact Wednesday.
Redskins coach Mike Shanahan was optimistic Monday that Griffin would be ready for the team’s Week 6 meeting with the Minnesota Vikings.
“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 he’s able to play or not. We surely have nothing to do with it.”
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 Falcons’ Sean Weatherspoon while scrambling near the sideline.
About three hours after the game, Griffin wrote on Twitter: “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.
If there are any setbacks, Shanahan will have to choose between rookie Kirk Cousins and veteran Rex Grossman. Grossman has been inactive all year as the third-string quarterback. Cousins was 5 of 9 for 111 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in relief of Griffin on Sunday.
