Robert Griffin III inactive, allowing Colt McCoy to start against Cowboys

ARLINGTON, Texas — Robert Griffin III is inactive for the Washington Redskins’ game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday and will not play, clearing the way for Colt McCoy to make his first start in almost three seasons.

Redskins coach Jay Gruden said last week that if Griffin would not start at quarterback, he would be inactive and Kirk Cousins would serve as the backup.

McCoy replaced Cousins at the start of the third quarter and completed 11 of 12 attempts for 126 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown, as the Redskins came from behind to defeat Tennesee 19-17 on Oct. 19.

Cousins had started the previous five games in place of Griffin, who dislocated his left ankle in a Week 2 victory over Jacksonville and returned to practice for the first time two weeks ago.

Right tackle Tyler Polumbus, who was replaced as the starter by Tom Compton during the week, is also inactive. Polumbus had started 41 of the last 43 games for the Redskins, dating to late in the 2011 season, but has been part of an offensive line that has struggled in pass protection this season.

With Polumbus inactive, rookie Morgan Moses, taken in the third round out of Virginia, will be the backup offensive tackle.

Also inactive for the Redskins are wide receiver Aldrick Robinson, cornerback Greg Ducre, outside linebacker Jackson Jeffcoat, right guard Spencer Long and defensive end Clifton Geathers.

Perry Riley, who missed the last two games with a sprained MCL in his left knee, is active and will make his return, shifting Will Compton back to a reserve role. Everette Brown, signed on Tuesday when Brian Orakpo was placed on injured reserve, will be the backup outside linebacker with Jeffcoat inactive. And strong safety Akeem Davis, signed off the practice squad on Saturday when the Redskins released strong safety Jamarca Sanford, should replace Ducre on special teams.

Inactive for the Cowboys are third quarterback Dustin Vaughn, strong safety Jakar Hamilton, wesakside linebacker Keith Smith, defensive tackle Davon Coleman and rookie left tackle Donald Hawkins. The team had previously ruled out right tackle Doug Free and defensive end Jack Crawford because of injury.