With Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan's future with the team beyond 2013 in doubt, the coach recently revealed that the 2013 status of second-year quarterback Robert Griffin III is in doubt. Since the team is eliminated from playoff contention, Shanahan may bench RGIII in order to protect any further damage to his surgically-repaired knee.
Griffin has been sacked 38 times this season with 24 of them coming within the last five games, leading to Shanahan saying on Monday that he has mulled benching him for the rest of the season as a precautionary measure.
ESPN reports Griffin has been healthy, and the decision isn't final which means Griffin could be under center when the Redskins (3-10) take on the Atlanta Falcons (3-10) this week. If Griffin is benched, Kirk Cousins would get the start.
Griffin was sidelined last year after re-injuring his knee in a playoff game and had offseason surgery in January to repair his ligaments.
"I've got to do what's best for the organization," Shanahan said via ESPN. "If we feel the best thing for the organization is doing that for Robert, then hopefully Robert will understand why we're doing it. We're doing it because he's a franchise quarterback and we want him to be able to go into the offseason and get full preparation and be ready for next year rather than playing one of the next three games and all of a sudden he sets himself back with a possible injury, whatever that may be."
With Shanahan's seat reportedly hotter than ever, he told ESPN that he would discuss any move with RG3 with owner Dan Snyder before a decision is made. It's been a tumultuous situation between Shanahan, Snyder and Griffin, leading many to speculate that Shanahan will not be in Washington next season.
Shanahan has reportedly been upset about the close-knit relationship between Snyder and Griffin that interferes with Shanahan teaching Griffin, but the coach said on Monday that he would like to return next season.
"You always want to come back," Shanahan said per ESPN. "I love these [players]. At the end of the season we'll get a chance, Dan and I, to sit down and decide -- he'll make the final decision -- on what's in the best interest of the Washington Redskins. I'll give my opinion on what I think. Obviously he'll make the final decision. ... We've got guys working extremely hard, so I would like nothing more than to be with them."
The Redskins went 10-6 last season and won the NFC East but this year they sit in last place at 3-10. Shanahan insists his relationship with Snyder is solid.
"All I'm saying is I get along with Dan quite well. He's been a very supportive owner and hopefully I can win for him," Shanahan told ESPN.
Griffin is 274-for-456 (60.1%) for 3,203 yards with 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and has rushed for 489 yards on 88 carries without reaching the end zone.
He may have played in his last game this season.
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