The loss 24-14 loss and elimination from the playoffs weren’t the biggest loses for the Redskins on Sunday. Redskins QB Robert Griffin III star may have suffered at least partial tears of two ligaments according to an MRI exam according to the Washington Post. The NFL miracle Doctor James Andrews will examine today to attempt to determine whether the MRI results show new injuries to Griffin’s anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments, or previous injuries.
Much has been said of Head Coach Mike Shanahan keeping Griffin III after he was clearly not effective for 2.5 quarters, which ultimately led to the injury. Some like Houston Texan RB Derrick argued via twitter that Shanahan should be fired but Griffin III after the game said “I don’t feel like me being out there hurt the team in any way.”
As far as recovery, according to James C. Dreese, a physician for the University of Maryland athletic teams, said that if Griffin requires reconstructive surgery on his ACL, his rehabilitation would take six to nine months. If the LCL or medial collateral ligament also require reconstruction, that could add as much as two months to the process.
Dreese also said that because this would be Griffin’s second ACL reconstruction, the rehab could be slower than it was the first time. “Usually they go a little bit slower the second time, especially if there’s a lateral issue as well,” Dreese said.
Griffin III doesn’t have to look far for inspiration as Adrian Peterson came back after injuring ACL last season but every injury is different. As an NFL fan I hope his recovery is quick because RGIII is one of those players that make football exciting to watch.