The focus on whether Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III will play during the preseason has bolstered the assumption that he’ll play in Week One of the regular season.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, that hasn’t been decided yet.
Though Griffin publicly has said there’s “no doubt” he’ll play, the decision ultimately will be made not by Griffin but by coach Mike Shanahan, after consulting with Dr. James Andrews.
The source says it’s “premature” to talk about Griffin playing in Week One, although he definitely wants to play, he remains on target to play, and he hopes he’ll be cleared to play.
With Shanahan making the final decision based on all available information, it’s hard not to wonder the criticism he received for handling Griffin’s knee injury during a postseason loss to the Seahawks will echo through the decision-making process. It could prompt an overcorrection, resulting in Shanahan proving that he’s careful with his players by keeping Griffin on the shelf for at least one week of the regular season.
If nothing else, the uncertainty forces Eagles coach Chip Kelly, who’s trying to keep the Redskins guessing about the quarterback they’ll face on the opening Monday night of the season, to do a little guessing of his own regarding whether Kelly’s NFL debut will come against Griffin or Kirk Cousins.