RGIII gets nod to start Week 1
So much for those last-minute “concerns.” Robert Griffin III is starting Week 1.
Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan finally confirmed Monday what has appeared inevitable since the start of training camp: RG3 will be under center for the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
“I feel very good where Robert’s at,” Shanahan said. “And he’ll be our starter on Monday night unless there’s some crazy setback that we don’t anticipate.”
As is fitting with all things Griffin these days, Shanahan couldn’t make the proclamation without leaving a few loose ends of intrigue. The coach refused to disclose the “concerns” that caused him to delay the announcement for several days after the quarterback was medically cleared by Dr. James Andrews.
Andrews gave Griffin the go-ahead Thursday after examining the quarterback’s surgically repaired right knee in Florida.
But Shanahan said at the time that Andrews also had “concerns” that needed to be addressed. Andrews contradicted the coach the next day in a series of text messages, saying he had “no concerns.”
Rehabbing throughout the offseason with an “all-in for Week 1” mantra, Griffin didn’t miss a day of training camp. His practice snaps were limited and he wasn’t allowed to play in a preseason game. He was frustrated about not being allowed to do more, but Shanahan maintained it was all done with an eye on the regular season.
The bottom line is that Griffin will start, making a remarkably expedited return for last year’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. It’s been only eight months since Andrews repaired two ligaments in Griffin’s knee a few days after the Redskins’ playoff loss to Seattle in January.
Around the league
The Bengals signed DT Geno Atkins to a five-year contract extension. The All-Pro was entering the final year on his original deal. … Browns rookie linebacker Barkevious Mingo returned to practice in a limited role, a significant step in his recovery from a bruised lung suffered in an Aug. 15 game against Detroit. … The Packers signed QB Seneca Wallace, replacing B.J. Coleman, who was released Monday. … The New York Jets signed QB Brady Quinn and cut QB Graham Harrell.