FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 5/1/2013 2:09am et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III said he is able to run a little bit.

Huddle Up: Baby steps as RG3 because the most-watched ACL recovery since... well, since Adrian Peterson's last season. But that worked out okay, so we'll watch again.

Posted: 4/1/2013 8:49pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III's father said Griffin could receive clearance to start running on a field in the next week. Griffin has been running in a pool as well as on a treadmill.

Huddle Up: Last we checked the Redskins have no games this season slated to be played either in a pool or on a treadmill, so there's still some work to be done before RG3 is good to go. But he'll be a frequent person of interest this offseason as fantasy owners determine just how much risk will be attached to spending a high draft pick on him in August.

Posted: 3/24/2013 4:48pm et

Dr. James Andrews said Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (knee) is doing well in his recovery from torn knee ligaments and is ahead of schedule. 'I've been real mum on talking too much about RG III. He wants his recovery to be fairly private, but I can tell you he's way ahead of schedule. His recovery has been unbelievable so far,' Andrews said.

Huddle Up: Is the stage being set for Griffin to be the Adrian Peterson of the 2013 season?

Posted: 3/20/2013 1:56pm et

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said Wednesday, March 20, QB Robert Griffin III continues to work hard in his rehab and is hopeful for a Week 1 return. Griffin is currently ahead of schedule. "If hard work has anything to do with it, he'll be ready," Shanahan said of Griffin.

Huddle Up: Good news that RG3 is on or ahead of schedule, but until we see him on the field in August there's no use speculating about his availability for the start of the season.

Posted: 2/25/2013 10:53am et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III's (knee) recovery from knee surgery points to a possible disconnect between himself and the team. There is a sense that Griffin will surely be ready for Week 1 of the 2013 season; however, according to a person close to Griffin, the optimism must be toned down for now. "I don't understand why we're talking about how close he is to playing or not right now. Let him just get better; there's a long way to go," the source said. The feeling from some of those close to Griffin is that both the team and others around Griffin will put undue pressure on him to return too quickly. "Again, it's been like six weeks; what are we doing this for?" the source added."He's not running yet ... It's ridiculous to talk about."

Huddle Up: Blame Adrian Peterson for blowing up the traditional ACL recovery timetable. While there's no reason to rush, especially less than two months into RG3's rehab, both the Redskins and prospective fantasy owners will want updates on Griffin's return from injury every step of the way.

Posted: 2/22/2013 5:09pm et

Dr. James Andrews said Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III is ahead of schedule in his rehab from several torn ligaments.

Huddle Up: RG3's health will be a constantly-monitored status throughout the offseason, with his fantasy value rising and falling in relation to his point on the rehab schedule.

Posted: 2/20/2013 9:24am et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III said via Twitter he will not put his career in jeopardy just to be on the field for Week 1 of the 2013 season. Griffin earlier tweeted the link to a new Adidas commercial that ends with his intention to return by Week 1. "Feel like I need to say this: Although my goal is to start Week 1, that doesn't mean I will compromise my career to do so," Griffin said. The quarterback added, "Starting Week 1 will be the result of healing, hard work, dedication and God's anointing. No rush, just determination."

Huddle Up: The Redskins would love to have RG3 back for the start of the season, but they too realize Griffin needs to make sure he's fully healed before returning to the field. Fantasy owners should plan accordingly as well.

Posted: 2/2/2013 9:32pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III has been named the Offensive Player of the Year.

Huddle Up: This was as productive a class of rookies as we've seen in some time, and while Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck, and Alfred Morris are all worthy of consideration you can't argue with the impact RG3 had on the Redskins.

Posted: 2/2/2013 9:32pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III said there is no doubt in his mind that he will be ready for the start of the 2013 regular season. He said he knee feels good and that he has been walking without crutches for about a week. Griffin said he believes his rehab will be easier the second time around because he knows what to expect during the process. "It helps me a lot because I know what peaks and valleys there are going to be, what milestones I need to hit and when I need to hit them and giving me the confidence to know that I can come back better than I was before," he said.

Huddle Up: There is certainly precedent for a quick and productive return from a serious knee injury, so who are we to doubt RG3 will be ready for the start of next season? That said, there's still enough uncertainty to at least ding his fantasy value somewhat--and if there isn't, it won't be hard to create at your draft or auction.

Posted: 2/2/2013 12:03am et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III has starting walking after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery and has been cleared to travel to New Orleans for the NFL awards show.

Huddle Up: RG3 could pick up some hardware--and some tips from likely MVP Adrian Peterson about coming back from knee surgery. However, it's till far too soon to know about Griffin's availability for the start of the 2013 season.

Posted: 1/18/2013 10:41pm et

Rick Wright, professor in the department of orthopedic surgery at Washington University's School of Medicine, said Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III is statistically more at risk of suffering a third anterior cruciate ligament tear than he was a second ACL tear. Wright said the failure rate of a second ACL reconstruction is 13 to 15 percent while the failure rate of a first ACL reconstruction is five to eight percent.

Huddle Up: Never tell RG3 the odds. Or Han Solo, for that matter. As if RG3's dynasty owners weren't already worked into a tizzy, now they have to concern themselves with the statistical probability that their guy is even more susceptible to another knee injury.

Posted: 1/18/2013 10:41pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III could start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which would allow him to rehab his torn anterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament during the first six weeks of the season and not have to rush him back.

Huddle Up: We heard the same thing about Adrian Peterson this time last year, so no need for RG3's dynasty owners to get frothy just yet.

Posted: 1/13/2013 1:54am et

The Washington Redskins are concerned about QB Robert Griffin III's injury because of the damage that has occurred to the cartilage in his knee after suffering two torn anterior cruciate ligaments in less than four years. There are concerns about how much cartilage is left in his knee and how long it will last. Griffin may have to deal with bone-on-bone contact in the future and chronic pain in his knee.

Huddle Up: The injury already dings RG3's value in 2013 redraft leagues; news that he could be dealing with bone-on-bone and chronic pain also deliver a hit to his keeper/dynasty value as well.

Posted: 1/9/2013 4:05pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III's surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, said that it is everyone's hope and belief that Griffin will be ready for the 2013 season after undergoing surgery Wednesday, Jan. 09. Griffin underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament. "Robert's ACL is intact, but not enough for his profession," Robert Griffin II said, via text. "You and I could be fine. But he is an athlete. So they will replace." The timetable for Griffin's recovery is unknown at this point. Griffin will stay in Florida for the foreseeable future and begin his rehab. The first six to eight weeks are believed to be critical in his rehabilitation.

Huddle Up: Adrian Peterson blew up the typical timetable for return from ACL surgery, so RG3's rehab will be monitored to see if he'll be ready at a similar rate. Meanwhile, the Redskins won't have the luxury of offering backup Kirk Cousins as trade bait; he'll be running the show until RG3 returns.

Posted: 1/9/2013 11:00am et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III could be out longer than the six to eight months originally reported. According to Dr. James C. Dreese, a doctor for University of Maryland athletic teams, a lateral collateral ligament tear requires a longer rehabilitation process than an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Dreese, who has no specific knowledge of Griffin's injury, said an LCL tear could keep Griffin out for eight to 12 months. Griffin's lateral collateral ligament will be repaired and doctors will determine the extent of damage to his anterior cruciate ligament, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person added doctors have not yet diagnosed a complete anterior cruciate ligament tear. It's possible that extensive damage to Griffin's ACL will be found but doctors had not determined that to be the case prior to the surgery. His rehabilitation plan will focus primarily on strengthening Griffin's quadriceps to help protect and help stabilize the knee.

Huddle Up: We'll wait for the inevitable "the surgery was a success" announcement following RG3's procedure; then the rehab begins. You have to hope RG3 and the Redskins will be as forthcoming with progress reports as Adrian Peterson and the Vikings were so we can determine if he'll be ready for the start of the 2013 season.

Posted: 1/8/2013 12:45pm et

An MRI suggests Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (knee) has partial tears in his anterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament. Griffin is meeting with Dr. James Andrews to determine of those are new injuries or old injuries. Griffin may have to undergo exploratory surgery to determine the extent of the injuries and if they are new tears.

Huddle Up: Tough way to end a dynamic debut season, but RGIII has youth and a full offseason on his side. In any case, expect a more cautious QB with fewer rushes in Griffin's second season.

Posted: 1/7/2013 1:25pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III fears the anterior cruciate ligament inside his right knee may have been damaged in the team's Wild Card playoff loss. "No matter what it is, our season's over right now, and I've just got to make sure that I get back healthy no matter what the injury is," Griffin said.

Huddle Up: RG3 will have tests Monday to determine the extent of the injury, and he'll have all offseason to rehab and recover. Given what Adrian Peterson accomplished in the 365 days following his knee surgery, the timetable for successful return has been somewhat altered; best find out just what the damage is before worrying about when Griffin will be back on the field.

Posted: 1/6/2013 10:37pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (knee) said Sunday, Jan. 6, during his post-game press conference that his knee buckled during the NFC Wild Card game early on during a pass attempt. He had it taped up again, and he continued to play until he took himself out of the game in the fourth quarter. Griffin said he was going to play if he could, noting he's the starter and gives the team the best opportunity to win. He did not feel his playing was hurting the team. He will have an MRI Monday, Jan. 7.

Huddle Up: Griffin clearly wasn't the RGIII that guided the Skins back from a 3-6 start to claim the NFC East crown. He even wasn't the same after guiding Washington to an early 14-0 lead Sunday with a pair of short, TD tosses. In all, he finished with 84 passing yards in completing 10 of 19 attempts and only 21 rushing yards on 5 carries. With the QB's mobility cleared limited, many onlookers expected backup Kirk Cousins to enter the game earlier, but he didn't take over until the Seahawks had taken control of the game at 24-14. Most don't expect the MRI to show any results that a few months away from the field won't heal.

Posted: 12/29/2012 7:37pm et

Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said the team limited QB Robert Griffin III's (knee) running in Week 16 because of his knee injury but will allow him to run more if needs to in Week 17.

Huddle Up: Griffin had his weakest rushing effort (2 carries for 4 yards) in Week 16 and looked rather gimpy doing it. The rookie's knee has had another week to mend, and while his fantasy owners can't expect an 80-yard rushing game, 40 yards and a TD would do just fine.

Posted: 12/25/2012 8:13pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (knee) was not limited in any way in the team's Week 16 game, according to head coach Mike Shanahan.

Huddle Up: The game tape and the stat sheet (a season-low 4 yards on 2 rushes) seem to say otherwise as Griffin's rushing burst seemed to be lacking in the contest.

Posted: 12/22/2012 8:00pm et

Updating a previous report, Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (knee) has been medically cleared to start the Week 16 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Huddle Up: If you're a Griffin owner, hopefully this news isn't coming a week too late ...

Posted: 12/21/2012 3:09pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (knee) is likely to be cleared by doctors Friday, Dec. 21, and the team will list him as probable for Week 16, meaning head coach Mike Shanahan is 98 percent sure he will start against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Huddle Up: This seems like a bit of back-tracking considering the Redskins announced he will start this weekend, but it looks like all systems are go for Griffin. Unless there is a surprise this Sunday, get him in your lineups.

Posted: 12/20/2012 7:08pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (knee) practiced in full Thursday, Dec. 20, and he's expected to play in Week 16. 'It's going to be day by day. If there's no setbacks, doctors feel he should be ready to go,' head coach Mike Shanahan said. 'He had a good practice. Obviously he's not 100 percent yet. Everybody knows that.' Griffin said he doesn't plan on adjusting his style of play after his injury.

Huddle Up: So far, so good this week but, then again, it was looking good a week ago for the QB in practice before the the team pulled the plug Saturday evening. Tentatively plan on having Griffin available, but most definitely stay tuned over the next few days ...

Posted: 12/20/2012 10:05am et

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said QB Robert Griffin III could be cleared to play as early as Thursday, Dec. 20. "What the doctors will do is evaluate him tomorrow," Shanahan said Wednesday, Dec. 19. "Hopefully there is no setback, no swelling with the knee. He will be evaluated through the week. When the doctors tell me the ligament is ready to go, I will announce when he is ready to go ... I think they will be able to look at him tomorrow and watch him practice tomorrow. Hopefully there is no swelling but you just don't know. So, they will look at it tomorrow and hopefully they will tell us it is full-go."

Huddle Up: All signs point towards RG3 returning to action this week, though after last week's solid showing Washington likely believes they could beat Philadelphia with either rookie quarterback at the helm.

Posted: 12/19/2012 5:06pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (knee) practiced in full Wednesday, Dec. 19, and head coach Mike Shanahan said Griffin will start against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16 barring any setbacks.

Huddle Up: These are the words we have been looking for, as opposed to Griffin merely practicing. Upgrade Washington's receivers this week; this is a tasty matchup for the Redskins offense.

Posted: 12/19/2012 12:55pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (knee) is participating in practice Wednesday, Dec. 19, and was moving around well during positional drills.

Huddle Up: The reports were great last week for Griffin, but he wound up not playing. Be wary of positive reports this week, but hopefully he has had enough time to heal. The Redskins are tied for first in the NFC East, so they can use all the help they can get.

Posted: 12/18/2012 9:43pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (knee) is still being considered day-to-day this week, according to head coach Mike Shanahan. Shanahan won't say if he expects Griffin to practice Wednesday, Dec. 19, and there is no indication if he'll be able to return in Week 16. 'If the doctors give their okay, he's going to play,' Shanahan said.

Huddle Up: It's another week of monitoring practice reports for Griffin's fantasy owners, and even that might not tell the whole story as the QB practiced last week but was still ruled out Sat. night.

Posted: 12/15/2012 11:27pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (knee) will not start Week 15. QB Kirk Cousins will start in Griffin's place.

Huddle Up: A bit of a surprise as it appeared all week that the stud rookie was on track to start. It's definitely some bah humbug for Griffin owners, but at least you've been given 12 hours of warning to arrange for another option.

Posted: 12/14/2012 2:21pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (knee) looked more like his old self in practice Friday, Dec. 14. He had more bounce in his step on shuffle drills and displayed nice lower-body explosion during warm-up drills. Griffin was up on his toes and on balance during his throws, and he didn't appear limited in any fashion. He plans to play in Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns unless he suffers a setback. 'I'll wait to see how he's moving on Sunday before I decide because I haven't made any final decisions yet,' offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said. 'He's not going full speed out there so you never really know how healthy he is until he's going full speed.'

Huddle Up: Good news for Washington fans and RG3's fantasy owners. He does have a relatively tough matchup against an underrated Cleveland defense, but he is a top-10 play at this point.

Posted: 12/13/2012 5:52pm et

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan reported QB Robert Griffin III (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 13, and could be a game-time decision for Week 15. However, according to media observations from practice, Griffin appeared smooth in his dropbacks and plants on short and deep throws, showing no signs of favoring the sprained right knee he suffered in Week 14. At one point late in practice, he rolled up the right leg of his sweat pants to adjust his black knee brace

Huddle Up: Things are looking up for RGIII's fantasy owners, but they still need to have a backup plan at the ready with Shananan and Co. likely to hold off until the last minute to make an official starting-QB announcement.

Posted: 12/13/2012 12:03pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III said he likes his chances of playing in the team's Week 15 game; however, the team wants to keep their opponent, the Cleveland Browns, guessing as long as possible. Griffin wore a black knee brace underneath his sweatpants during practice Wednesday, Dec. 12, moving laterally and with barely a hitch as he stretched; however, he favored his right leg during throwing drills. "Sunday night, I thought there was probably no chance that I could play the next week," Griffin said. "And then Monday morning, I felt better about it. Yesterday, I felt better about it. And today I feel really good about it, so it just depends on if I continue to progress the way I am."

Huddle Up: Expect the Redskins to play coy with regards to their starting quarterback right up until game time. Those who have ridden RG3's stellar rookie season into their fantasy playoffs should have a backup plan at the ready.

Posted: 12/12/2012 4:33pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (knee) was fully dressed in practice Wednesday, Dec. 12, and he practiced dropping back, planting and throwing short passes, and he appeared to have normal velocity on his throws. He ran a straight line at moderate speed and shifted his feet laterally during stretching drills. Griffin was moving normally at times and gingerly at others. It's unclear if he was wearing a knee brace.

Huddle Up: This is positive news, but he has to be healthy enough to take a hit. If he winds up playing, Griffin might not be running as much this week as a result of his injury. That he is practicing so soon after that brutal hit is amazing, but monitor his status throughout the week.

Posted: 12/11/2012 7:06pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III's father said his son will start in Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns. Griffin's knee has improved enough to the point that he told his dad he intends to play. 'He's doing great,' Robert Griffin II said. 'He definitely said he plans to start. I haven't seen him (the last two days). But he told me (today) everything has gone well.'

Huddle Up: That's the somewhat biased report from RGII, but let's see what the QB is able to do in practice this week.

Posted: 12/10/2012 4:15pm et

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said QB Robert Griffin III (knee) suffered a lateral collateral ligament sprain in Week 14 and is considered day-to-day. Shanahan said Griffin will receive treatment this week and probably will wear a brace for support.

Huddle Up: Not much more information than we already had. This will be one of the most closely watched injuries this week with crucual week 15 games on tap.

Posted: 12/9/2012 4:37pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III suffered a knee injury late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's Week 14 game against the Baltimore Ravens. He did return shortly after but was noticeably hobbling and was unable to finish the contest.

Huddle Up: The Skins wound up with a thrilling, 31-28 OT Beltway Battle win after backup Kirk Cousins tossing the game-tying TD pass in regulation, but all of D.C. -- and more than a couple fantasy owners -- will anxiously be awaiting updates on RGIII's right knee. Before leaving, Griffin threw for 246 yards and a TD and added 34 rushing yards on 7 attempts.

Posted: 12/3/2012 11:59pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III completed 13-of-21 passes for 168 yards and a TD and added 72 rushing yards on 5 carries Monday night in a 17-16 win over the visiting New York Giants.

Huddle Up: Griffin fell well short of his 4-TD outings in each of the past 2 weeks but still delivered another strong fantasy performance with the postseason looming. The postseason also could be in the Skins' future as the win moved the team to 6-6 and a game out of the NFC's sixth and final playoff spot.

Posted: 11/29/2012 3:34pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III has the league's top selling jersey, according to the NFL, quoting sales from its official online store. Griffin surpassed Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning, who had been in the top spot. Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers comes in at No. 3.

Huddle Up: Meanwhile, most importantly for fantasy players, RGIII is a close second on the list of top fantasy QBs -- trailing the Saints' Drew Brees by 5 points through 11 games (Huddle Performance scoring) -- and an untold number of squads will be relying on the rookie to carry them to a title.

Posted: 11/22/2012 8:43pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III completed 20-of-28 passes for 311 yards, 4 TDs and an interception Thursday in a 38-31 Week 12 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He also added 29 yards on 6 rushes.

Huddle Up: RGIII has taken his game to another level after the team's Week 10 bye, and he's single-handedly steering his fantasy owners to high postseason seeds. In the past 2 games, Griffin has thrown for 8 TDs, completed 34-of-43 passing attempts (79.1 percent) and has rushed for 113 yards on 18 attempts.

Posted: 11/22/2012 1:26pm et

Dallas Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware said he won't hesitate to rush the edge with abandon when Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III drops back in Week 12, or when the Redskins show the read-option look. 'You've got to be aggressive. You can't just sit back there because he can throw the ball,' Ware said. 'You don't want to leave your cornerbacks on an island. You can't have a spy guy mentality. We have to put pressure on him.' Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan added the team will pick their spots when it comes to blitzing Griffin.

Huddle Up: The Cowboys rank 21st in the league with 20 sacks but have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Other than the Bucs' Josh Freeman (Week 3) and the Falcons' Matt Ryan (Week 9), Ryan's crew hasn't faced many top-flight fantasy QBs, however, and they'll have their hands full in their first encounter with the versatile Griffin.

Posted: 11/13/2012 5:04pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (ribs) practiced Monday, Nov. 12. He took a hard shot to his ribs in Week 9 and received a pain-killing injection at halftime, but X-rays showed no breaks. 'He's feeling pretty good,' head coach Mike Shanahan said. 'I asked him the same question today, and he said he's feeling pretty good.'

Huddle Up: Griffin still ranks among the top fantasy QBs, but his owners are looking for a bounce-back game after the bye this week as he only accounted for one TD and failed to top 215 passing yards or 53 rushing yards in his previous 2 outings.

Posted: 11/5/2012 11:33am et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III had X-rays on his ribs after the Week 9 loss against the Carolina Panthers, as he was "really" sore, according to a source with knowledge of the situation; however, he is expected to be fine. The Redskins are on a bye in Week 10, so Griffin will have extra time to recover.

Huddle Up: RG3's style makes him prone to shots to the ribs (see: Vick, Michael). The good news is he'll have the extra week to recover; the bad news is, he'll spend the rest of the season with a bull's eye on his tender ribs.

Posted: 10/12/2012 6:26pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (head) fully participated in practice Friday, Oct. 12, and is listed as questionable for Week 6.

Huddle Up: This is good news for Griffin owners, but there is still a chance he could be ruled out; concussions can be finnicky. Again, he does not have a terribly good matchup against the Vikings, so he might not be the best start this week one way or another.

Posted: 10/11/2012 5:40pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (concussion) is participating in practice Thursday, Oct. 11, but his status for Week 6 is still uncertain because he will be undergoing more tests. The concussion Griffin suffered Week 5 was the second he has had in the past year with the first occurring when he was playing for Baylor.

Huddle Up: Continued good news that RGIII is practicing, but all hinges on the end-of-week concussion tests. If he does play, the Skins will likely choose to rein in his running in order to avoid contact but that in turn also hurts his fantasy value.

Posted: 10/10/2012 3:58pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (concussion) says he 'felt sharp, felt good, no symptoms of a concussion' in practice Wednesday, Oct. 10.

Huddle Up: Once again, signs point toward Griffin starting against a pretty good Vikings defense this week. He must still be cleared to play, but if he is concussion symptom-free, then he should be a go.

Posted: 10/10/2012 12:55pm et

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said QB Robert Griffin III (concussion) will participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 10, and will undergo a concussion test after practice.

Huddle Up: It looks increasingly like Griffin will be a go this weekend, but bear in mind that players have practiced without being cleared for contact in the past. If Griffin is cleared, he gets a tough matchup against a surprisingly good Vikings defense. I would not expect a huge game out of him.

Posted: 10/10/2012 11:34am et

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said QB Robert Griffin III will dial it down upon his return in order to keep him on the field. Shanahan believes Griffin will learn how to take unnecessary hits. "What we have to teach him is you don't have to run, sometimes it's better if the other guy does," Shanahan said. "And if they take away both, it's 'When do you slide?' When he was in college, he was so fast, that chances are if he gets in the open field, he's gone. Here, sometimes, it needs to be 10 to 12 yards, and then slide, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's just learning to slide."

Huddle Up: Griffin actually did slide on the play where he took the hit that led to the concussion, but as he adjusts to the pro game he'll learn to get down a little sooner. You knew injury was a risk with a running quarterback; if RG3 is able to go this weekend it will mean that at least the first bullet has been dodged.

Posted: 10/9/2012 11:47pm et

Updating a previous report, Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (concussion) is expected to take part in practice Wednesday, Oct. 10, according to a person familiar with the situation. He has received clearance to practice, but he will not be subject to any contact. In addition, his participation does not guarantee Griffin will be ready to face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 6.

Huddle Up: The Skins -- and an untold number of fantasy owners -- could definitely use his services Sunday, but RGIII is going to have go have to go through the post-concussion protocol this week to gain clearance. It's a good sign he's planning to practice, but the determination on his status won't be made until Friday at the very earliest.

Posted: 10/8/2012 3:16pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (concussion) will need to pass concussion-related tests this week before being cleared to play against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 6. Griffin thinks he'll play, though.

Huddle Up: This is always the fear with the "running" quarterback. Griffin had been doing a pretty good job protecting himself up until this point, but it will always be a concern going forward.

Posted: 10/8/2012 11:40am et

The National Football League will reportedly look into how the Washington Redskins handled the concussion QB Robert Griffin III suffered in Week 5, when they first announced that he was just "shaken up" and allowed him to leave the locker room and head toward the sideline, before he turned back and returned to the locker room. Griffin said via Twitter he believes he will be ready to play in Week 6.

Huddle Up: It was apparent to anyone watching--except perhaps the medical professional who delivered the "shaken up" diagnosis--that RG3 suffered a concussion; in fact, the later diagnosis was a "mild concussion". Griffin has indicated he'll be ready to go, so expect him to clear the concussion test hurdle early in the week and be back on the field ready for Week 6.

Posted: 10/7/2012 3:52pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III sustained what later was called a "mild" concussion in the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. The rookie took a hard shot to the head from Falcons LB Sean Weatherspoon on a sack near the sideline on a play when he could've avoided the hit and ran out of bounds. Griffin was replaced by fellow rookie Kirk Cousins.

Huddle Up: This has been the concern of Griffin's fantasy owners with the top- ranked QB having taken several hard hits while scrambling over the first month of the season. Ironically, though, Griffin only had run once for 7 yards in the game and sacked only once prior to getting injured on the sack. He finished with 11 completions in 17 attempts for 95 yards.