Wednesday’s Robert Griffin III Health Update is Positive

Robert Griffin III’s value to the Washington Redskins is astronomically high. It would be tough for anyone to argue that the Redskins would be in playoff contention with 3 games remaining in the season without Griffin at helm.

This week, however, the Redskins may have to continue their push towards the tournament without Griffin starting against the team’s week 15 match-up against the Cleveland Browns. This, due to the leg injury Griffin suffered in the 4th Quarter of Washington’s week 14 game against the Baltimore Ravens when all 340 pounds of nose tackle Haloti Ngata collided with Griffin’s right knee.

Robert Griffin III’s injury has been labeled as a Grade 1 Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) sprain. Coach Mike Shanahan listed Griffin’s recovery time as “day-by-day” and is not ruling him out from playing against the Browns on Sunday. Shanahan went on to drop his typical tag line – “We’re going to do what we think is in Robert’s best interest and usually when you do that, it’s in the team’s best interest as well. We’re not going to put him out there if we think he’s not completely healthy and he can’t do the things to help us win.”

On Wednesday, Griffin wouldn’t comment on what he did during practice but said, “I did enough — we’ll see how it feels.” Coach Mike Shanahan labeled Robert’s Wednesday practice as “limited” but was impressed by what Robert was able to do.

Griffin did say that he can walk, run, climb stairs and plant his foot to throw without discomfort. That is obviously a good sign.

But everyone in America wants to know whether or not Griffin will be able to play on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Honestly, it’s too early to answer that question. Although, I have a feeling that after Wednesday’s practice – the players are more informed on the situation than they were on Tuesday. You know, when Redskins’ receiver Pierre Garcon went on ESPN and essentially told the world that Kirk Cousins will start on Sunday.

The Redskins will milk this situation for the remainder of the week, because as Griffin said on Wednesday – “We don’t want to help the Browns.” In fact, Shanahan was asked if he would draw out his decision for competitive advantage, Shanahan said “probably” with a huge grin on his face. I guess this is what happens when you have two capable quarterbacks…

Griffin’s ACL injury in 2009 restricted his ability to make explosive 1st steps. As of Wednesday, Griffin said he is able to make those instinctive moves post-LCL sprain.

If Robert is able to play on Sunday, he will have to wear a knee brace. Fortunately, it wouldn’t be a new experience for him – Griffin played the entire 2010 season at Baylor University with one.

No one will likely know for sure whether or not Robert Griffin III will be starting on Sunday against the Browns until the inactive list is distributed prior to game-time. But at this point, the Redskins seem highly optimistic. Which, of course, is a good sign.