Redskins News: RG3 To Play Against Eagles?

Robert Griffin III suffered a knee injury last week, which many people feared would spell the end of the Washington Redskins season. The rookie has been the biggest reason his team’s success, and the Redskins were thought to be in big trouble if he was out for an extended period of time.

In Week 15, however, Washington didn’t seem to miss a beat. They defeated the Cleveland Browns, 38-21, with backup Kirk Cousins getting the start at quarterback. The Redskins moved into first place with the New York Giants loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

The Redskins control their own destiny in the division. If they win their final two games, Washington will claim their first NFC East title in seven years.

Will Griffin be ready against the Philadelphia Eagles next week?

If the decision is left up to Griffin, he’ll almost certainly get the start in Week 16. He lobbied head coach Mike Shanahan to let him play against the Browns, and was upset that Cousins got the nod

"I was not happy with the decision," Griffin said. "That's the decision they went with and I respect that. It doesn't mean I have to necessarily like it. I feel like I could have played this week, next week, the week after. But that's not my decision."

Not playing, Griffin says, helped him get healthier. He was listed as day-to-day for most of last week, so his chances of playing against Philadelphia have improved.

Griffin, though, likely won’t be the deciding factor in whether or not he sees action. If the team doctors don’t think it’s a good idea, he’ll probably miss his second straight game.

"He wanted to play, but when I hear two of the best doctors saying don't play him, I don't play him," said Shanahan, after Washington’s win.

An official decision on Griffin’s status hasn’t been made, and Shanahan will likely wait until the end of the week.

Cousins's performance might make Shanahan less reluctant to sit the Rookie of the Year candidate again. The backup showed what he can do in his first career start, throwing for 329 and two touchdowns.

The Eagles are one of the worst teams in the NFL. The Redskins might be able to get the win next week, without risking any further injury to Griffin.

Washington finishes the 2012 season against Philadelphia and the Dallas Cowboys.