Robert Griffin III, the Washington Redskins’ quarterback who has become the face of the NFL after just one season, said he has recovered so well from a torn ACL in December that he has been given the go-ahead by doctors to begin practice.
Just a few days before the team opens training camp, Griffin said, via Twitter, of course: ”Doctors cleared me to practice. Coach is going to ease me in.”
This is welcomed news for Redskin fans who hope to see Griffin behind center for Week 1. But coach Mike Shanahan received heaps of criticism for not pulling an obviously hurting Griffin from the playoff game against Seattle, it stands to reason he will be overly conservative in getting the second-year quarterback onto the field.
The Redskins did not respond to Griffin’s tweet. But the Associated Press reported that a source confirmed Griffin has been given the thumbs up.
The season opens Sept. 9 against Philadelphia, and this news seems to give Griffin more of a chance to be on the field, just eight months reconstructive surgery on his right knee.
”It’s great news,” right guard Chris Chester said. ”I’m really excited about it. It’s a great chance to continue from where we left off last year.”
Griffin’s injury and subsequent rehabilitation overwhelmed the Redskins offseason. He led the club to its first division title in 13 years in 2012 and was chosen the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, and his unique talents are needed if the team is to sustain that momentum.
Griffin injured the knee multiple times last season. He missed one game after spraining the lateral collateral ligament, then reinjured the knee at least twice in the playoff loss to the Seahawks in January. He had surgery a few days later to repair the ACL and LCL.
Shanahan said in April that, for the coming season, ”one thing we’re going to make sure of is that Robert never plays if he’s not 100 percent.”
