Robert Griffin III injury update: expected to miss 10-12 weeks
Robert Griffin III’s status for the rest of the season was already up in the air, but now news about his shoulder injury has gotten more dire.
After a bad ending with the Washington Redskins, Robert Griffin III got an opportunity to revive his career with the Cleveland Browns during the offseason. Working with new Browns’ head coach Hue Jackson looked like a good opportunity to re-establish himself, but then Griffin suffered a left shoulder injury late in a Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Griffin was placed on short-term injured reserve by the Browns last Monday, with the possibility he could return after a minimum of eight weeks on the sideline. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported quickly last Monday night it would be “very tough” for Griffin to return this season, and Sunday morning that sentiment has been further confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Browns QB Robert Griffin III now expected to miss 10-12 weeks with shoulder injury, per sources, which means his season could well be over.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2016
The wide end of a 10-12 week timetable puts Griffin’s return in Week 13 or 14, at which point his contribution can’t be counted on. To say nothing of his replacement, Josh McCown, being a better quarterback that may not relinquish the starting job without an injury of his own.
Related Story: Cleveland Browns' quarterback Robert Griffin III placed on short-term IR
The Browns are headed for one of the league’s worst records this year, regardless of who sees time under center. There’s no incentive to rushing Griffin back into action, and if last Sunday is any indication he has learned nothing about doing what he can to protect himself from injury. And that leaves out a less-than-impressive performance (12-for-26 for 190 yards with an interception), which may have threatened his status as Cleveland’s starting quarterback anyway.
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Griffin may get another opportunity in 2017, perhaps in Cleveland but more likely elsewhere. But the player we saw in 2012 is clearly never coming back, no matter what helmet Griffin is wearing, and Week 1 may have been his last NFL start.