Quarterback Robert Griffin III cleared for Redskins’ opener against Dolphins

ASHBURN — Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III has been medically cleared to play in Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.

Coach Jay Gruden confirmed the news Friday afternoon in his press conference following the team’s practice. Earlier in the day, Redskins president Bruce Allen made the announcement Friday during an appearance on WTOP at 12:10 p.m. 

The Redskins currently have Griffin listed as the third-string quarterback behind starter Kirk Cousins and backup Colt McCoy, but it’s unclear whether that will change Sunday. Gruden would not confirm whether Griffin would be the backup against Miami.

“Well, I’m probably the only coach in the league that gets questions on their 46-man roster on a [Friday],” Gruden said. 

“We have until Sunday afternoon to turn in our 46-man roster and we’re going to do that with everybody.”

Gruden also added that the team received the written confirmation Thursday afternoon.

Earlier this week, Griffin met with an independent neurologist but the team was awaiting written clearance from doctors.

As of Thursday, Gruden said the team still had not received written confirmation and that he was unsure what was causing the delay.

Griffin sustained a concussion in the team’s second preseason game against the Detroit Lions and missed the team’s final two games. 

Griffin was initially cleared for the team’s third preseason game against Baltimore, but the decision was reversed 24 hours later after independent neurologist Robert N. Kurtzke felt Griffin was not yet healthy enough to play. 

Though Griffin has not played in the last two preseason games, Gruden said his concussion has not prevented him from practicing with the team.

Gruden added that Griffin’s was cleared for non-contact participation — which is always the case with a quarterback in practice, anyways. 

“He’s been out there doing everything — individual drills, some team stuff here and there,” Gruden said. 

“He just couldn’t do any live contact which we never do in practice anyways. There is really nothing he hasn’t been doing. He has been to all the meetings. He has not missed anything because of this.”

The clearance process has been drawn out for the Redskins and Griffin, but Gruden said the quarterback has responded well to the situation.

“Obviously I’m sure he’s frustrated a little bit, but we haven’t been able to see it,” Gruden said. “When he’s out there in team work he’s throwing the ball good. I haven’t seen an issue yet. I haven’t read all the Twitter reports, but he has been fine here.”