Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan is thinking about shutting down his franchise quarterback Robert Griffin III for the rest of the season. He claims that Griffin is 100% health but that he wants to assure that he does not get injured in the team’s final three games. Citing that he has been sacked 24 times in the last five weeks as an excuse Shanahan said “I’m talking about his health. I want to make sure he’s health.”
After winning the NFC East title last season the Redskins have been a major disappointment this year and Griffin has taken a major step backwards. Following the ‘Skins loss to the Chiefs 45 – 10 on Sunday, Shanahan’s own job security has be questioned. Yet he claims that his only concern is Griffin’s health, “If he did play and something happened to him, I think it would set our franchise back."
But where was his concern for Griffin’s health last season when the Redskins were winning their division and making the playoffs. After sustaining a strained knee in a game against the Ravens, Shanahan had Griffin back in the lineup two weeks later. Then, after reinjuring that same knee in a first round playoff game Shanahan sent his rookie quarterback back into the game. Visible hobbled and unable to run with his usual abandon, Griffin’s knee buckled bending down to pick up a loose ball. Off season surgery was necessary to repair the severe damage that occurred on the play.
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As a result of that injury Griffin has not been the same player this season. The Redskins have been eliminated from the post season and their 3 – 10 record has them dwelling in last place. And now Shanahan is concerned for the health of his team’s top asset. What message will sitting a 100% healthy RG 3 send to his players and to the fans who pay their hard earned money to see him play? Maybe Shanahan should be the one getting the next three weeks of the season off…
