When Robert Griffin III began the healing process after having surgery for a torn ACL, the quarterback vowed to be back and healthy by Week 1 of the 2013 football season. He had a lot of rehab and a lot of healing ahead of him, but he promised fans he would do anything he could to get back on the field as quickly as possible. It seems he is living up to the promise as the quarterback participated in OTAs.
Four months after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery, Griffin was back on the field working with teammates as they started preparing for 2013. In videos posted by the NFL Network, Griffin can be seen dropping back, setting his feet and throwing passes to receivers. It does not appear Griffin was struggling moving around. He was cutting and throwing deeper passes. He was running at full speed, but it is a major development in his rehab process.
Multiple people have noted that Griffin was way ahead of schedule in the process to getting back at full strength. Dr. James Andrews notes that Griffin's recovery has been remarkable and he was progressing quickly. There is a big difference between tossing passes in OTAs and playing in an NFL game, but it is a sign that Griffin's goal might happen.
This is the first time Griffin has really been seen of since injuring his knee in the team's playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He has noted in interviews that the knee injury has changed his mindset about playing through an injury and recognizing when it is time to take himself out of the game.
As Griffin continues to work towards Week 1, his father is being vocal about the quarterback changing his style of play more.
"I just know that based on what I know Robert can do, he doesn't have to be a runner as much as I saw last year. To me, you're paying these receivers a lot of money to catch the football. I'm his dad--I want him throwing that football, a lot. A lot," Griffin Jr. said.
Last season, Griffin ran the ball 120 times for 815 yards as the Redskins operated under the read-option offense. Griffin Jr. notes that his son has been in discussions with head coach Mike Shanahan and the offensive coordinator. They are looking to incorporate some new plays that would allow Griffin to be more of a passer.
Click here and here to see videos of Robert Griffin III participating in Washington Redskins OTAs.
