While it’s too early to know for certain, there is a chance the Cleveland Browns could be without Robert Griffin III in Week 17. The quarterback remains in the league concussion protocol following a big hit on Saturday, head coach Hue Jackson told the media on Monday morning.
#Browns HC Hue Jackson said RG3 remains in concussion protocol.
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) December 26, 2016
#Browns HC Hue Jackson said there's chance Cody Kessler will start finale with RG3 in concussion protocol, RG3 would likely start if cleared
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) December 26, 2016
It’s been a rotten year for quarterbacks wearing Cleveland brown and orange, and it seems like at least one of them has gotten injured in every single game this season.
Before being knocked out of Saturday’s game in Buffalo, Griffin had played well, completing 17-of-28 passes for 196 yards and rushing for 48 yards and a touchdown in the team’s first win of the season.
He was under heavy pressure all game long, enduring five sacks. That’s been a problem for Cleveland all season — protecting the quarterback.
Another problem is just the simple fact that the Browns haven’t been able to properly evaluate Griffin as the potential quarterback of the future. He’s signed through the 2017 season, but the Browns might be inclined to select a quarterback at the top of the 2017 NFL Draft.
After a stellar rookie season, Griffin hasn’t been able to stay healthy, and he remains a project quarterback who struggles to work from the pocket. While the potential for greatness remains a plus for the Baylor product, his time to make an immediate impact might have already come and gone.
Cleveland has some tough decisions to make going forward, none being more critical than the one it faces at the quarterback position.