It looks like Robert Griffin III will get his second chance to make a positive impact with the Cleveland Browns in 2016, starting in Week 14 when the team takes on the Cincinnati Bengals.
ESPN’s Pat McManamon reported Monday morning that “all signs point to Griffin trying to be the guy to get the Browns’ first win — provided he makes it through practice and looks like he has shaken off three months of rust from not playing.”
Based on the simple fact that Griffin has been fully cleared for contact, and based on the fact that Cleveland has not had a shred of success with any other quarterback on the roster, RG3 seems like a lock to start next Sunday.
He was the team’s starter heading into the regular season but suffered a shoulder fracture in the opening week. Shortly afterwards, the Browns placed Griffin III on IR, and it was thought that his season might be over at that time. But he recovered swiftly and has been eagerly awaiting his chance to play again.
Since bursting onto the scene as the NFL’s most outstanding offensive rookie in 2012, RG3 has faced more roadblocks than moments of success. Injuries and coaching mishaps derailed his tenure in Washington.
It was thought that a fresh scene in Cleveland under head coach Hue Jackson could resurrect his career. Time will tell if that could still be the case. However, based on the team’s trajectory this year, it seems far more likely that the Browns will draft a quarterback No. 1 and move on.