Washington Redskins News: Robert Griffin III Likely Done With The Team After Benching

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III was benched this week in favor of Colt McCoy, and sources say the move more than likely signals his conclusion with the team that once drafted him No. 2 overall.

In a 40-second interaction with reporters this week, Griffin appeared to be disappointed by the move, but would say little more about it.

“Coach’s decision,” Griffin said of the move. “I’m here to help this team win.”

Now reports are indicating that Robert Griffin III is unlikely to remain on the Redskins next year. Sources told the Washington Post that the team will likely get rid of RGIII, and separate sources say the team is looking at a mid-round draft pick in return.

After a rookie season, in which he topped 800 yards rushing and won Rookie of the Year award over fellow quarterback Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III has seen a sharp drop in his career. He suffered a torn ACL in a playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at the end of his rookie year, and was never quite the same.

At the end of last season Griffin was benched again, with then-coach Mike Shanahan saying he was pulling the quarterback from the lineup for three games to allow him to get healthy.

This year Robert Griffin III struggled to fit into the Redskins offense, and was reportedly a bad influence in the locker room as well. But on Wednesday, he gave away little about the reported locker room tension.

“Hey, I’m just focused on helping us win,” Griffin said. “That’s all I can do.”

Redskins coach Jay Gruden said the team is not giving up on Griffin just yet.

“We’ll see how he reacts to this and how he gets himself ready,” Gruden said. “People handle adversity in different ways. Some people can’t handle it, some people can. I think Robert is the type of guy that can… The expectations were a little unfair, but I’m not going to give up on him. He’s not going to give up on himself, but as far as the future is concerned, we don’t know.”

Robert Griffin III is entering the last year of his contract. The Washington Redskins have the option of picking up a fifth-year extension.