Cousins’ Status More Important Than Griffin

Aug 19, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (12) is tended to by the training staff after suffering an apparent foot injury during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Kirk Cousins sprained foot Monday Night might be the biggest concern for the Washington Redskins at this point, and furthermore might be even more important than Robert Griffin III’s return. In most cases the backup quarterback is the second best player on the team, and with Griffin’s knee that statement couldn’t be more true for the Washington Redskins.

Mike Shanahan told media after the game Monday Night that Kirk Cousins suffered a mild mid-foot sprain which in his eyes was a “good sign.” That of course however isn’t always the case, as a similar thing was said last season with wide receiver Pierre Garcon, who later would miss half of the 2012 season.

He however did admit that they can’t rule out a Lisfranc injury, but rather they just don’t feel like that’s what it is:

"“Well, I asked the same question. I asked if it was a possibility because we felt that way last time – it said the X-rays were negative, and it wound up being a Lisfranc. But they don’t feel that way at this time.”"

As Redskins fans might recall, rookie Safety Phillip Thomas suffered a season ending Lisfranc Tear the first preseason game against the Tennessee Titans who they originally thought had a sprained foot. Most recently Le’Veon Bell, the running back for the Steelers suffered a Lisfrancinjury Monday Night, and reports are he could also miss the entire 2013 season.

Aug 19, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (12) runs with the ball during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

With Kirk Cousins being the only thing between Robert Griffin III and Rex Grossman starter, it’s important that the Redskins approach this with the best eye possible. That however could be a tough task as the medical staff in recent years hasn’t always had the best track record.

From Adam Archuleta’s bad back automatically being “back to normal,” Pierre Garcon’s small foot injury that should have caused him to miss one game, resulting in half the season, to Robert Griffin III being allowed back onto the field during the Seattle game.

Depending on how Robert Griffin III performs this season (as some experts have said he’ll miss at least three games), Kirk Cousins will need to be the go to guy, as he’s proven, and has won twice with the Redskins already in place of Robert Griffin III.

Rex Grossman is the last player fans want to see on the field, even though he so far as had a pretty impressive preseason. The issue however is you feel you can win with Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins, that automatically disappears with Rex Grossman, which was seen during the Tennessee game, when the offense appeared to have given up.

Kirk Cousins right now should be given more attention than possibly Robert Griffin III, assuming he is truly as far along as he is and undoubtedly ready for Week 1 (Washington denied any reports of Dr. Andrews saying Griffin shouldn’t play before Week 6).

If Kirk Cousins is lost for the season as Phillip Thomas was, the Redskins could be in a bad position if Robert Griffin suffers any type of injury that requires him to miss games. Unlike last season, the Redskins won’t be fortunate enough to have a not so tough schedule, as teams in the NFC East are expected to be better, not to mention the other opponents.