After being cleared by an independent neurologist to play in Week 1 for Washington, Robert Griffin III has been relegated to third string, according to a report.
With Kirk Cousins set to start, Jeff Darlington of NFL Network reports Colt McCoy—not RG3—will be the backup when Washington takes on the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.
This move shouldn’t surprise anyone who has been keeping track of recent developments in Washington as it relates to Griffin. Head coach Jay Gruden, general manager Scot McCloughan and the rest of the top brass have come to an accord about the No. 2 overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft—he’s not part of the team’s long-term plans any more.
In a report by Liz Clarke of The Washington Post, it was revealed that two key factors played into the team’s decision to put RG3 on the back burner.
“Cousins gave the Redskins a better chance to win in 2015 than Griffin, whose struggles in Gruden’s timing-based offense were increasingly evident.
“And Gruden risked losing credibility with the team if he continued to preach competition and award starting jobs to the victors at every position except quarterback.”
Furthermore, there is the added factor that if Griffin were to become injured this season, then Washington would be on the hook for his $16.2 million contract in 2016 after picking up his fifth-year option this offseason.
At this point, the team would rather wrap the fragile quarterback in a thick layer of bubble wrap and keep him on the sideline than to risk him getting injured. There is a real chance he might not even suit up this year if both other quarterbacks remain healthy.
This report truly signals the truth that RG3’s time in Washington is over. While he remains on the roster, the franchise has no intention of allowing him to play this year unless there truly are no other options.