Dr. Andrews says RG3 was never cleared to re-enter game

According to team doctor James Andrews, he never cleared Robert Griffin III to re-enter the week 15 game against the Ravens after he injured his knee (Credit: AP Photo)

During the Washington Redskins week 15 game against the Baltimore Ravens, Robert Griffin III took a nasty hit to his knee. Griffin III left the game for one play, re-entered the game and then left again for the rest of the game after taking a few more snaps at quarterback.

Now, one of the Washington Redskins game day physicians, Dr. James Andrews, says he never cleared Griffin III to re-enter the game.

“He didn’t even let us look at him,” Andrews tells Robert Klemko of USA Today.  “He came off the field, walked through the sidelines, circled back through the players, and took off back to the field.  It wasn’t our opinion.

“We didn’t even get to touch him or talk to him.  Scared the hell out of me.”

Andrews’ comments conflict with the report given by head coach Mike Shanahan on the Monday following the week 15 game. According to Shanahan, Griffin III only re-entered the game because he was cleared by Dr. Andrews.

“He’s on the sidelines with Dr. Andrews,” Shanahan said at the time, via Klemko.  “He had a chance to look at him and he said he could go back in.  [I said] ‘Hey, Dr. Andrews, can Robert go back in?’

‘Yeah, he can go back in.’

‘Robert, go back in.’

“That was it.”

With the Washington Redskins preparing to play the Seattle Seahawks this afternoon, Dr. Andrews says he is still worried about Griffin III’s knee and injury.

“I’m the one that shut him down that day, finally,” Andrews said.  “I’ve been a nervous wreck letting him come back as quick as he has.  He’s doing a lot better this week, but he’s still recovering and I’m holding my breath because of it.

“He passed all the tests and all the functional things we do, but it’s been a trying moment for me, to be honest with you.”

Whether this was all one big misunderstanding, or if the Redskins knowingly lied about Griffin III’s status, is not clear. However, it seems as though the Redskins will be hearing from Roger Goodell and the NFL front office.