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Robert Griffin III could return for Cleveland Browns this season

By Brad Berreman

Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) points from the field before a game between the Washington Redskins and the Browns at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) points from the field before a game between the Washington Redskins and the Browns at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns are clearly in rebuilding mode, but they may get a longer look at Robert Griffin III in a few weeks.

Before suffering a left shoulder injury after a hard hit late in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Robert Griffin III did not look very good in his Cleveland Browns’ debut (12-for-26 for 190 yards with an interception; five carries for 37 yards). He was placed on injured reserve with a fractured bone in his non-throwing shoulder soon after that, but with surgery deemed unnecessary there’s been a faint chance Griffin could return this season.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, under a 10-12 week recovery timetable without surgery, Griffin could return to action between Week 11 against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Week 14 against the Cincinnati Bengals after the Browns’ bye week. Theoretically, the bye week would allow Griffin to ramp up his practice reps and get ready to start.

The more interesting aspect of Cabot’s reply to a mailbag question is the idea the Browns may actually want to get another look at Griffin. A return post-bye would give him a four-game audition for the Browns, as they try to determine if they should draft yet another quarterback next spring. But more likely, Griffin would be showcasing himself for the other 31 teams with some good talent around him and a chance to be productive.

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Initial reports suggested Griffin would have a hard time playing again this season, and at that point the Browns probably had no desire to see him on the field again. But with the number of quarterbacks they’ve had to deploy already this season, due to injuries on seemingly a weekly basis, a healthy Griffin could actually be the best available option by the time he’s cleared to play.

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