Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III placed on IR
After inexplicably inviting a big hit on Sunday, Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III will miss multiple games.
Hue Jackson’s first game as head coach of the Cleveland Browns, and the first meaningful action for quarterback Robert Griffin III since the 2014 season, ended with a 29-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Griffin had a decidedly nondescript game in his Browns’ debut, completing 12 of 26 passes for 190 yards and an interception with 37 rushing yards. Adding injury to relative insult, Griffin suffered a sprained left shoulder late in the game after trying to run over Eagles’ cornerback Jalen Mills.
Griffin admitted to being in a lot of pain after the game, and Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer indicated doubt about his status going forward.
Based on #Browns RG3 saying "I'm in pain," the way he moved, and fact he needed MRI today, I wouldn't be surprised if he sits out #Ravens
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 12, 2016
#Browns RG3 "could be out awhile'' with a left shoulder injury, source confirms https://t.co/gTqe8LV33W
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 12, 2016
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network has reported some more definite news on Griffin.
The #Browns are placing QB Robert Griffin III on Injured Reserve with a fractured coracoid bone. No surgery. Reevaluated in 3-4 weeks.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2016
It’s worth noting that Griffin’s 2016 is not necessarily over, with a reevaluation in 3-4 weeks likely to determine the course of action from there. He can be activated off IR after a minimum of eight games, if he’s deemed healthy enough to play.
Josh McCown will now step in as Cleveland’s starting quarterback. On that note, Cabot passed along the following nugget looking toward next Sunday against Baltimore.
#Browns Josh McCown, who might start Sunday vs. #Ravens, set club record with 457 yards passing in an OT victory over Ravens last year.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 12, 2016
Cleveland’s decision not to trade McCown this preseason, with multiple teams in the market for a quarterback, already looks like the right move. Griffin’s injury history and poor play since his rookie season, even with professed faith from Jackson, clearly informed that decision. Without McCown around, rookie Cody Kessler would have been pressed into action if (now when) Griffin was injured.
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The Browns are an early favorite for the NFL’s worst record this year, and another high first-round pick is surely coming in 2017 regardless. But McCown, even at an advanced age with his own injury history, gives the team a better chance to be competitive than Griffin might have.