Washington Redskins News: Robert Griffin III Could Be Benched If Peformance Doesn’t Improve

The Washington Redskins invested a lot to draft Robert Griffin III, but now they appear ready to bench the former No. 2 overall pick if his performance doesn’t improve.

After dealing with injuries and inconsistency for much of the last few seasons, Griffin is now on a short leash and could be benched soon, sources close to the team told ESPN.

Griffin reportedly has Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers to hold onto the starting spot, but if not, the team could go to former No. 3 Colt McCoy, who went 2-0 this season in relief of the injured Griffin and Kirk Cousins.

While it is still Griffin’s job to lose, many believe that McCoy has also earned his chance at once again being a starter. Many around the league believe he was dealt a bad hand in Cleveland and unfairly took much of the criticism for the ineffective team he led.

But as ESPN reported, benching Robert Griffin III could give coach Jay Gruden some problems with his team’s owner.

“What isn’t known is how owner Daniel Snyder will react to the harsh treatment of his handpicked franchise quarterback, especially if Griffin is benched Sunday in San Francisco.

“Through four games, Griffin has thrown for 763 yards, with 2 total touchdowns, 3 interceptions and a QBR of 34.2. The Redskins are 0-2 since he returned from a dislocated left ankle.”

After leading the Washington Redskins to the playoffs in his rookie year, Robert Griffin III has struggled to regain his form after dealing with a torn ACL. When he was replaced by Kirk Cousins earlier this year, former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher said that it was now “Kirk Cousins’s job to lose.”

“He isn’t a backup like he talked about. Right now, he is the starter,” Cowber said. “He’s putting together a profile right now, a resume of these next seven weeks that will make the decision easy for the Redskins: either they sign him to a contract or they’re still looking for the quarterback of the future. We’re seeing it unfold before our eyes — the future of Kirk Cousins and the Redskins.”

But Kirk Cousins ultimately stumbled, leaving the door open for Colt McCoy to take over and lead the Washington Redskins. If Robert Griffin III stumbles against the 49ers, that door could once again be open.