Robert Griffin III goes on injured reserve with shoulder injury
Monday 12 September 2016 20:40, UK
Quarterback Robert Griffin III will miss at least the next eight games after being placed on injured reserve by the Cleveland Browns.
Griffin is looking to rebuild his career in Cleveland after leaving the Washington Redskins, but he suffered a serious shoulder injury in their season-opening 29-10 defeat at the Philadelphia Eagles.
He was hurt late in the fourth quarter, when being hit hard by Eagles defensive end Jalen Mills at the end of an 11-yard scramble, but stayed in the game TO finish off their penultimate drive.
His injury will be re-evaluated in three to four weeks, but new injured reserve rules for the 2016 season mean he has to miss a minimum of eight games, with Josh McCown set to take over.
"It's very unfortunate, Robert came in and has worked extremely hard to learn our offence and earn the respect of his teammates," Browns coach Hue Jackson said.
"This is a tough loss because everyone has seen how invested he has been in this team and his dedication to the work needed to improve his craft.
"We all know these are the realities of the NFL, injuries occur and you have to find ways to overcome them so they don't impede your progress.
"Robert will do everything in his power to rehab and get healthy but Josh McCown is on this roster for a reason and we have great confidence in him. He is more than capable.
"His veteran presence has been an asset to our team throughout our process of preparing for the season. We look forward to him assuming the role of the starter and leading our offensive unit."
