Washington Redskins: Kirk Cousins Will Start in Place of RG3

The Washington Redskins informed the players Saturday night that rookie QB Kirk Cousins will receive his first NFL start against the Cleveland Browns Sunday. Cousins will take the place of injured Qb Robert Griffin III, who sprained his LCL in Week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens.

Reports circulated on Friday that Cousins received all the starting practice reps this week. Obviously, Mike Shanahan wanted to use a little gamesmanship by broadcasting Griffin during the limited time media can view practice. But it’s apparent that Cousins was viewed as the starter throughout the week. I guess Pierre Garcon was right…

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. While still limited, Shanahan said on Thursday that Griffin’s practice reps increased. Then Friday, listed Griffin as “questionable” for Sunday’s game on the official injury report.

Griffin did say he was able to walk, run, climb stairs and plant his foot to throw without discomfort. His knee did not suffer any setbacks and the swelling didn’t increase. Griffin also informed the media during his weekly presser that his ACL injury in 2009 restricted his ability to make explosive 1st steps. But with this current LCL sprian — Griffin has been able to make those instinctive moves.

In saying that – Washington doesn’t want to risk Griffin suffering any setbacks. Especially with aspirations of entering the post-season. The team believes in Kirk Cousins and will rally around him.