Sources: Redskins Won’t Release Robert Griffin III at Saturday Deadline

Reporter II September 5, 2015

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Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, speaks during a media availability at their NFL football training facility, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, in Ashburn, Va. Kirk Cousins will start for the Redskins on Sunday, and Griffin III will be the No. 3 quarterback behind Rex Grossman. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

In this Aug. 20, 2015 file photo, Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, in Landover, Md. Kirk Cousins will start the season as Washington's quarterback, Redskins coach Jay Gruden said Monday. With Griffin still in the NFL's concussion protocol program, Gruden opted for Cousins, who was drafted along with Griffin in 2012 and has started nine games when Griffin has been hurt, going 2-7. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally, File) — In this Aug. 20, 2015 file photo, Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, in Landover, Md.. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally, File)

John Keim, ESPN

WASHINGTON (ESPN) — The Washington Redskins plan to keep Robert Griffin III as their backup quarterback and will not release him ahead of Saturday’s roster deadline, multiple sources have confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and John Keim.

Although Kirk Cousins was named Washington’s starting quarterback earlier this week, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder and president Bruce Allen want to keep Griffin despite the financial risk associated with retaining the former Heisman Trophy winner, a source told ESPN.

Griffin, who has been sidelined since Aug. 20 with a concussion, was scheduled to consult with an independent neurologist Friday. The Redskins still are awaiting word on the results of that exam.

NFL Media and The Washington Post reported earlier Saturday that Griffin would remain on Washington’s 53-man roster. Snyder, general manager Scot McCloughan and coach Jay Gruden all have approved the decision to keep Griffin, according to NFL Media.

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