Kirk Cousins will start at quarterback for the Washington Redskins in place of Robert Griffin III against the Cleveland Browns today.
The fourth-round pick from Michigan State will make his first career start.
Griffin, the NFL’s leading passer and the No. 2 overall pick, sprained his right knee in last week’s overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens. He was limited in practice.
The decision came after Griffin was re-examined by doctors Saturday.
Griffin tweeted: “The decision was not my own... But I will be there for my team!!! In every way I possibly can”.
The Redskins did not say whether Griffin will be active for the game, or whether veteran Rex Grossman, who has been an inactive third-string quarterback for every game this season, will serve as the primary backup to Cousins.
BROWN’S FUNERAL
Friends, family, teammates and members of the community filled a St. Louis church to say goodbye to former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jerry Brown Jr.
His casket was Cowboys grey with the team’s star logo on the inside. His framed No. 53 Cowboys jersey and pictures from his life bracketed the casket, along with a signed helmet from the Indianapolis Colts.
Brown, who was signed to the Dallas practice squad in October after being cut from Indianapolis, died when the car he was riding in flipped after hitting a curb. Driver Josh Brent, Brown’s teammate with the Cowboys and at the University of Illinois, has been charged with intoxication manslaughter.
The Cowboys will wear a “53” helmet decal for the remainder of the season to honor Brown.
EXTRA POINTS
Injured Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis won’t play against the Broncos. Lewis has been sidelined since tearing his right triceps on Oct. 14. The 13-time Pro Bowl selection was eligible to come off the injured reserve-designated to return list, but the Ravens want to give him more time to heal. ... The Chiefs put leading receiver Dwayne Bowe (ribs) on injured reserve, ending his season and potentially his up-and-down career in Kansas City. ... The Saints placed safety Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) and offensive lineman Charles Brown (knee) on injured reserve, ending their seasons.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.