RICHMOND – Having gotten an up-close look at Robert Griffin III’s journey back to full strength during offseason workouts and now in training camp practices, Redskins backup quarterback Rex Grossman says he has noticed significant strides from Griffin. The veteran quarterback, who himself has come back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament during his career, believes that at this point, Griffin isn’t yet at 100 percent, however.
Last Friday marked the seven-month mark since Griffin’s surgery to reconstruct his right knee. Orthopedist James Andrews predicted a seven-to-nine month recovery for the quarterback, and Griffin so far as exceeded expectations.
Grossman believes although Griffin may feel like he is fully healthy right now, additional time is still required for the quarterback to reach full strength.
“Right at seven months is where I felt I was healthy,” Grossman recalled. “I’ve talked to him – he’s done it before – he feels like he’s ready to go. I would say he’s 90 percent capable of doing everything.”
Asked how he thought Griffin looked in his first 11-on-11 action, Grossman ticked off a list of observations.
“I actually saw him get better,” Grossman said. “His drops and everything were a lot smoother, his reads were quicker, his understanding of the offense and the passing game was more second nature to him.”
Now, it’s just a matter of Griffin working out any kinks in his game and mechanics as the knee continues to regain full strength.
Grossman said he understands Griffin’s eagerness to return to the field. He noted that although the quarterback has grown antsy waiting for Mike Shanahan to loosen the reins on him, Griffin hasn’t allowed the wait to sour him.
“He’s always in a good mood,” Grossman said. “That’s one thing that you just enjoy being around him because he always has a smile on his face, he’s always laughing, but he’s competitive at the same time which is really a good balance.”
Have a Redskins question? E-mail Mike Jones at mike.jones@washpost.com with the subject line “Mailbag question” for him to answer it in The Mailbag.
What’s ahead:
● Thursday’s practice is at 12:40 p.m., and Friday’s — the final practice of training camp — is at 10:35 a.m.
● This afternoon, Mike Jones checks in with Baccari Rambo, who’s looking out for injured Phillip Thomas, a fellow rookie safety.
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