Dr. James Andrews has been one of the most important people at this year's NFL Combine. With multiple marquee players coming in with lingering injuries, Andrews has had to speak on the behalf of many. The renowned surgeon took time to speak to media about players both college and professional. The player on everyone's mind was Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III and how he is healing after an ACL tear forced him to have surgery. Andrews could not speak more highly on Griffin's healing progress and where he is at in his recovery schedule.
"We've got him well on his way. He is an unbelievable athlete as you well know. His recovery is way ahead of schedule so far. We don't have to do much try to hold him back, if you want to know the truth. Out whole mode for him, though, is to do what is best for his career, not necessarily what is best for the first game next season. So all of that has to be put on hold and let him get well," Andrews said while speaking to the NFL Network.
Griffin suffered the ACL tear during a first-round playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He then had surgery on Jan. 9. Andrews is part of the Redskin's team of doctors and is on the sideline during all of their games. While he spoke highly of Griffin and how quickly he has recovered, he still wants him to take things slowly and not rush a return.
Andrews added that his is worried that players are seeing how quickly running back Adrian Peterson recovered for an ACL injury and think that is how quickly they can recover. He believes it is unrealistic to set expectations like that.
Griffin made it known that he intends on being the Redskin's starting quarterback on Week 1 of the 2013 season. If he is already ahead of schedule after just over two months of recovery, signs could begin to point to Griffin being ready for that first game. Andrews stresses that he still has a very long way to go in order to get back into football.
Griffin has been known for quick recoveries. He is no stranger to what it means to come back from a serious knee injury. He tore his ACL back in 2009 playing for Baylor University. He returned in 2010 to throw for 3,501 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Sources say that Redskins officials are encouraged by Griffin's recovery process and believes that he does stand a legitimate chance to start in the 2013 opener. Griffin won The Associated Press 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award after setting the NFL record for best passer rating by a rookie quarterback. He lead Washington to its first NFC East title in 13 years.
