Redskins can’t overcome loss of RG3, fall to Falcons 24-17

As Robert Griffin III lay motionless on the ground at FedEx Field, the Washington Redskins’ season and long-term future hung in the balance. The face of the franchise took a shoulder to the head from Atlanta Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, suffering what coach Mike Shanahan says is a “mild concussion.” He didn’t look right as he left the sideline and the game.

It’s uncertain how the injury will affect Griffin and the Redskins moving forward. On Sunday, it played a major part in Washington’s 24-17 loss to the still-undefeated Falcons.

Griffin was “shaken up” in the third quarter on the play right before the Redskins took a 10-7 lead. The defense could not keep Matt Ryan and the Atlanta offense contained any longer, and Washington turned to rookie Kirk Cousins to lead the way.

Cousins experienced mixed results in his NFL debut, going three-and-out twice and connecting with Santana Moss on a 77-yard touchdown. His two interceptions with under two minutes left were the final pieces of the Redskins’ third defeat of the season.

There was no immediate update on Griffin’s condition. He was 11-for-17 for 91 yards when he left. Cousins finished 5-for-9 for 111 yards, a touchdown and two picks.