Doctors decide RG3 can't play vs. Ravens; QB could miss opener
Redskins QB Robert Griffin III will not be playing against the Ravens this weekend and could be out for at least two more weeks.
By
John Breech
•
2 min read
The independent neurologist who cleared Robert Griffin III to play this weekend against the Ravens has reversed course and decided that RG3 shouldn't play against Baltimore.
The Redskins had announced on Thursday that Griffin was cleared play against Baltimore. RG3 had originally suffered a concussion during the Redskins' 21-17 preseason win over the Lions on Aug. 20.
Neurologist Robert J. Kurtzke made the announcement through the team.
"Per discussion with neuropsychologists and with Anthony Casolaro M.D., we had anticipated [Thursday] that the patient would be cleared for full participation for gameplay this weekend," Kurtzke said in a statement issued by the Redskins. "However, upon further scrutiny today of the neuropsychology data, I agree with the neuropsychologist that he should be held from game play this weekend and be retested in one-two weeks before a firm conclusion to return to gameplay can be made."
The last part of Kurtzke's statement raises questions about who the Redskins starter will be for the team's regular season opener. If Griffin were to miss two weeks, that would keep him out until Sept. 11, which is just two days before the Redskins Sept. 13 opener against Miami.
RG3's injury status has been a complete mystery for the past 24 hours. First, he was cleared to play, then when he was asked if he had even suffered a concussion, he said, "I don't know."
During his press conference on Thursday, Griffin even seemed to insinuate that he could've stayed in the game vs. the Lions after being knocked out in the second quarter.
"That's the coach's decision," Griffin said on why he was pulled from the game. "As we like to say, 'I just work here, man.'"
Griffin and his doctors clearly aren't on the same page because RG3 doesn't seem to understand this latest decision either.
Trusting in God even when I don't understand why certain things happen. James 1:2-3 (NLT)
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 28, 2015
As a matter of fact, no one in Washington seems to be on the same page about anything.
Redskins players haven't been told RG3 won't play, despite team press release to media. A player texted me "who is starting tomorrow?"
— Dianna Marie Russini (@diannaESPN) August 29, 2015
With RG3 potentially out, both Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy will likely see snaps with the first team in Saturday's preseason game with the Ravens.
