Despite Robert Griffin III being medically cleared to participate in training camp, it still would be a major surprise if he played in a preseason game based on Mike Shanahan's coaching history and the thoughts of some in the Washington Redskins organization.
Shanahan, who put Griffin through an extensive workout Monday after team doctors cleared him to return to practice, would not specifically address questions of whether Griffin would play this summer. But sources who know the coach expressed pessimism Griffin would return in the preseason.
One Redskins front-office member said Washington will not want to subject Griffin to any hits this summer. Shanahan also was known in Denver to be cautious with players coming off major injuries.
After Griffin initially underwent surgery, doctors predicted he would miss seven-to-nine months. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, who performed the surgery to repair Griffin's torn ACL and LCL in his right knee, evaluated the quarterback seven months removed from the procedure last Wednesday and Thursday, sources have told ESPN.
Griffin told USA Today Sports in a text message Tuesday that his quicker-than-expected recovery is, "no time to feel proud. Just more work and winning to do."
The Redskins open the regular season against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 9, after playing four preseason games, starting Aug. 8.
Information from ESPN's Ed Werder and The Associated Press was used in this report.