The Washington Redskins' preseason has been highlighted by injuries. So far the team has lost their starting tight end and backup running back to season-ending injuries and they received another scare during the team's second preseason game when Robert Griffin III's night ended early with a concussion. Immediately there was concern considering the quarterback's lengthy injury history. However, Griffin is back ending discussion of a change at the quarterback position.
According to the Washington Post, Griffin returned to practice over the weekend after suffering a concussion. The quarterback was cleared for non-contact work in practice and is expected to be healthy and start against the Baltimore Ravens this upcoming weekend. Head coach Jay Gruden stressed that everything with the quarterback is completely fine and the team continues to have confidence in his abilities.
I would have gone more the other day, to be honest with you," Gruden said, via NFL.com. "I think we need the work. We absolutely need to work, whether he takes one shot or 10 shots. We've got to get our offense going. We were a 4-12 football team last year, and for me to rest our starters after one series in the preseason game is, to me, not right. We need the practice, so we're going to try to get as much as we can -- being that he's cleared if he is cleared -- against Baltimore, no question about it. ... It's a physical brand of football over there and hopefully we'll be up to the challenge."
Gruden made headlines when he hinted at the potential of there being a battle for the starting quarterback spot especially if Griffin were to miss time for the injury. There is no question that both Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy have shown the ability to be a productive starter for the team. Both players are in the final years of their contracts and would love to prove themselves, but for now with Griffin healthy, neither quarterback is being moved up the depth chart.
DeSean Jackson made his return to the field which should help the progress of Griffin. Jackson comes back after suffering a dislocated shoulder in practice. According to Fantasy Pros, Jackson is actually a wide receiver to avoid in fantasy despite him being the team's top option. There is no question his return should help Griffin's passing game with Pierre Garcon running on the other side of the field.
While there might not be a battle at the quarterback spot, one is brewing at the running back position. Matt Jones is quickly looking like a real threat for the Redskins on the field as he is thriving in two preseason games. While Alfred Morris is battling as the starter looking for a new contract, Jones is hot on his trail.
