The link at ESPN.com’s NFL landing page blares that Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III has a “very good chance” of playing on Sunday. That comes from a quote in the Associated Press blurb from coach Mike Shanahan, who added one more “very” when describing Griffin’s status.
But here’s the reality. By applying on Friday the “probable” designation to Griffin, the Redskins officially have said that there is a virtual certainty Griffin will be available for normal duty.
It’s one of the most common misconceptions regarding the injury report. “Probable” doesn’t mean that there’s a 75-percent chance the player will play. It’s much, much closer to 100 percent, and rarely does a player slide from probable to out.Actually, it’s very rarely. Very, very rarely.But, hey, if folks only think there’s a “very good chance” Griffin will play and not a virtual certainty, they’ll keep checking ESPN.com for updates on his status.On further review, forget everything I just wrote. There’s only a “very good chance” Griffin will play.