The NFLPA would like to see something done about the playing surface at FedEx Field after the sloppy conditions during last weekend’s Wild Card game, but they aren’t going to be filing a formal inquiry into the way the injury suffered by Robert Griffin III was handled by the Redskins.
Griffin wound up needing surgery to repair injuries to his ACL and LCL this week and the NFLPA filed an informal initial inquiry into the way the Redskins handled their quarterback after he appeared to aggravate an existing knee injury in the first quarter. Griffin remained in the game until the fourth quarter, finally leaving after his knee buckled and gave out while he was trying to pick up a poor snap.
The NFLPA looked into the way the injury was handled because of “discrepancies in media reports” about the medical attention Griffin received when he initially hurt his LCL. Dr. James Andrews originally said he never cleared Griffin to return to that game against the Ravens before changing his tune after coach Mike Shanahan disputed Andrews’ account. Andrews and the rest of the Redskins medical staff provided a report detailing how Griffin’s injury was reviewed on the sideline and the union has decided not to press forward with a formal inquiry, as is their right under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
“Playing through pain is a harsh reality of our business and our union will always hold the League and the clubs accountable to the best medical care. Our thoughts are with Robert as he recovers from his surgery and we hope he returns to full strength,” NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith said in a statement.
That eliminates the possibility of one headache for the Redskins, although the uncertain nature of Griffin’s recovery will ensure they’ll have one for the next long while anyway.