"Operation Patience." This is apparently the new motto of Washington Redskins quarterback who is still making his way back from an ACL injury. Robert Griffin III wore a t-shirt during his team's Monday Night Football preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers that stated the new motto. If many believed Griffin is rushing his return to the field, he is letting everyone know he is taking his time.
There has been reported tension between Griffin and the Redskins as to when exactly he would be taking the field officially. Griffin continues to say that he feels healthy and is ready for action, stating very early one that his intentions were to return for Week 1 of the 2013 season and is doing everything possible to make it happen.
Mike Shanahan and company are on the other side of things, wanting to protect their prized possession from further injury. Griffin could become one of the greatest quarterbacks in the league, but if he rushes his return, things could go poorly.
ESPN aired footage of Griffin moving well in warm ups. He appeared fluid and agile, showing no signs of a surgically-repaired knee other than the brace he was wearing. Naturally, fans are anxious to see Griffin on the field. Many showed up on Monday night to hopefully see the quarterback take a few snaps, but he has to be officially cleared for contact.
That clearance will not come from Griffin or Shanahan, but from Dr. James Andrews who performed the knee surgery. Dr. Andrews is the lead team doctor for the Redskins and has been monitoring the progress of Griffin throughout the entire rehab.
ESPN.com reports that Dr. Andrews get the final word on when Griffin takes the field. The question will become if Dr. Andrews gives clearance and Shanahan still is not comfortable with the quarterback playing, will he get overruled? Both Griffin and the head coach have insisted that they are on the same page with the injury, but only time will tell if that is actually true.
The Redskins will kick off their season in exactly three weeks. Griffin told ESPN that he is 100 percent ready to play. He said he can do everything he was capable of last year and more. The question remains of when we will see it.
