The Facts:
The drama continues between the Redskins and Griffin. One day after being cleared to play by his surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, but not yet named the opening night starter by his coach, Mike Shanahan, ESPN reported that Andrews’ “concerns” are about how the team plans to use its star player this season. ESPN anchor Trey Wingo tweeted that “sources telling me the “concerns” about [Griffin] have less to do with health of the knee, much more on how the team plans to use him.” Andrews disputed that report via text message on Friday afternoon: “Not true. Team will use him appropriately. No concerns. No further comments except from team.”
Reported by the Washington Times
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
As the Times suggested, Wingo's report raised a host of questions: Why would Andrews clear Griffin in the first place if concerns remain? Why would a team doctor express an opinion about how a player is used? Isn’t that beyond his purview? If Andrews is to be believed, he wouldn’t do any of that. So it’s a non-issue. Except for the news people. It's safe to assume the major media outlets (yes, we're talking about you ESPN) will continue to make this as big a story as possible. As Times staffer Brian McNally laid it out: "This circus is like a terrible game of telephone. Recent signs point to Griffin starting anyway. He has practiced without restriction for the last two weeks, including drills against Washington’s No. 1 defense at full speed. He also received increased repetitions at practice on Monday and Tuesday this week. Shanahan had repeatedly said this summer that he would wait to declare Griffin ready for the opener until after Andrews cleared him. Even that apparently wasn’t enough." It is for us. Assume Griffin is the starter until you hear otherwise.
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