Robert Griffin III returned to the practice field Wednesday only three days after suffering a Grade 1 LCL sprain during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win over the Ravens.
Griffin suffered the injury after he was hit by Haloti Ngata at the end of a run. Griffin spun awkwardly as he was hit and his right leg whipped violently. Doctors feared that Griffin may have suffered a torn ACL or MCL, but further testing revealed only a mild sprain of the lateral collateral ligament. The rookie quarterback initially thought he’d miss at least one game with the injury, but he’s proving to be a quick healer.
“Sunday night, I thought there was probably no chance that I could play the next week,” Griffin said. “And then Monday morning, I felt better about it. Yesterday, I felt better about it. And today I feel really good about it, so it just depends on if I continue to progress the way I am.”
The LCL is one of four important ligaments in the knee, but a Grade 1 sprain is usually associated with minor stretching or tearing. Griffin said he has dealt with swelling in the injured knee over the last few days, but he’s receiving multiple daily treatments to enhance the healing process.
Griffin tried to continue to play after suffering the injury, but he was relieved by fellow rookie Kirk Cousins after the pain became too much to bear. Cousins would draw the start if Griffin can’t go, but the mobile quarterback said he wants to do everything in his power to give his team the best chance to win.
“I don’t want to give the Cleveland Browns a competitive advantage [by playing injured],” said Griffin. “And I don’t want to let anybody down, so I don’t want to say that I’ll be playing and end up not playing. If I can ensure my safety out there and my health and my career, then I’ll go out there and play. And if not, then I won’t.”
Even if Griffin is forced to miss Sunday’s game against the Browns, it’s amazing that the hit did not cause serious ligament damage. Extreme ligament damage can sideline an athlete for a full season, and in some cases the damage is career threatening. Despite being diagnosed with an LCL sprain, Griffin said he’s thankful the injury wasn’t worse.
“I was the happiest guy in the world on Monday to be blessed with the injury that I did have,” Griffin said, “after looking at it so many times.”
Related sources: ESPN, Associated Press