Shanahan says he’s ‘keeping my fingers crossed’ Griffin will be ready to start season

Robert Griffin III accepts AP Rookie of the Year award.

Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said Monday that quarterback Robert Griffin III is “ahead of schedule” in his recovery from knee surgery but he has “no idea” if Griffin will be ready to play at the outset of the season.

“Robert is doing well,” Shanahan said during a news conference at Redskins Park. “He’s getting some great work in here, working out a couple times a day, about six hours a day, seven hours. He is ahead of schedule according to Larry [Hess, the team’s head athletic trainer]. That means the muscles are stronger than they anticipated and he is doing everything he can to be ready for this season.

“Is he going to be ready? I have no idea. I’m sure keeping my fingers crossed. And if work has anything to do with it, he probably will.”

Griffin underwent surgery in January for tears of the anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in his right knee.