A story from a NFL media reporter said the Washington Redskins do not plan to cut quarterback Robert Griffin III and will keep him on the roster as their second-string quarterback.
Reporter Jeff Darlington said his sources say the decision has the approval of general manager Scot McCloughan, head coach Jay Gruden and owner Dan Snyder. Griffin is expected to back up starting quarterback Kirk Cousins for the 2015 season.
However, Griffin has still not been cleared to play following his Aug. 20 concussion in an exhibition game against Detroit. The team is currently listing him third on the depth chart.
The Redskins will open the 2015 season at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13.
The independent neurological consultant who reversed course on Griffin's post-concussion playing status has resigned and been replaced as the team's concussion doctor.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed to The Associated Press on Saturday that Robert Kurtzke left the consultant program operated jointly by the league and the players' union.
McCarthy said Kurtzke will stay on to continue to monitor Griffin's status and determine when he can be cleared to play.
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Darlington said team sources told him the Redskins believe Griffin is the second best quarterback on the roster and should be kept on the team as a result. Cousins was named by Gruden as the starting quarterback for the duration of the upcoming season, barring injury or poor performance.
Griffin is still recovering from concussion-like symptoms suffered during a pre-season game against the Baltimore Ravens. At the time, Gruden said Griffin did not lost his starting position because of the injury, but he lost it due to Cousins’ performance.
"Robert's on our football team. We believe in Robert. It's a good problem to have to have three quarterbacks competing," Gruden said when he named Cousins as the starter for the regular season.
Darlington said it is possible Griffin could still be traded during the season, but the Redskins would still face the same financial risks regarding Griffin’s salary.
