The future is bleak for Robert Griffin III. An injury sustained by the Washington Redskins quarterback in Sunday's playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks threatens to sideline the rookie well into next season. Griffin suffered a partially torn lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his right knee during the Redskins' hard fought loss, according to ESPN.
It's also likely Griffin tore at least part of his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), though it is unclear how severe the damage is, or what surgery should be performed, doctors said, due to a previous knee injury he suffered while playing at Baylor in 2009
Speaking in a news conference Monday, Redskins coach Mike Shanahan announced that MRI results are prompting the team to send Griffin to Pensacola, Fla., on Tuesday to see orthopedist Dr. James Andrews, the Redskins' acting physician, to further examine the injuries and determine the best course of treatment.
"There is a concern," Shanahan said. "That's why he's going to see him."
"They want to take another look and have a physical exam with him," Shanahan added, "to make sure they're not looking at old injuries."
Griffin was already playing hurt in Sunday's match-up against the Seahawks before he suffered fresh injuries. The QB entered the wild card game nursing a previously sprained LCL in the same knee. He appeared to try and tweak the knee for his throwing stance in the first quarter and eventually was forced to leave the game after twisting his leg while scrambling to recover a wild shotgun snap in the fourth quarter.
"Torn ACL" are two of the scariest words to players in the NFL. The injury typically requires a rehabilitation period of nine to 12 months, and it takes some athletes two years to return to full health after getting hurt. Of course, as many football fans would point out, there's also inspiring cases like Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who returned for a jaw-droppingly phenomenal season this year about eight months after tearing his ACL, coming within nine yards of breaking the NFL's single-season rushing record.
As Griffin awaits his fate in Florida, he appears to be feeling the criticism lobbed from some fans for not taking himself out of the Seahawks game, taking to Twitter to respond to his critics.
"Many may question, criticize & think they have all the right answers. But few have been in the line of fire in battle," wrote Griffin.
"... I thank God for perspective and because of that I appreciate the support from everyone. I also appreciate the criticism. ... When adversity strikes you respond in one of two ways....You step aside and give in..Or you step up and fight," Griffin tweeted.
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