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CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns have placed starting quarterback Robert Griffin III on injured reserve because of a left shoulder injury, the team announced Monday afternoon.
According to a release from the team, Griffin will miss an extended period of time after tests showed he fractured the coracoid bone in his left shoulder. Although surgery is not yet required, Griffin will be reevaluated in three or four weeks.
“It’s very unfortunate,” said Browns coach Hue Jackson. “Robert came in and has worked extremely hard to learn our offense and earn the respect of his teammates. This is a tough loss because everyone has seen how invested he has been in this team and his dedication to the work needed to improve his craft.”
Near the end of the Browns’ 29-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field Sunday, Griffin scrambled out of the pocket and ran toward the sideline on the right side of the field.
Griffin was pushed from behind into another Eagles defender, who hit the quarterback in the upper torso. Griffin was evaluated on the sideline and finished the game, but the further examinations revealed the broken bone.
“We all know these are the realities of the NFL, injuries occur and you have to find ways to overcome them so they don’t impede your progress,” Jackson said. “Robert will do everything in his power to rehab and get healthy but Josh McCown is on this roster for a reason and we have great confidence in him.
“He is more than capable. His veteran presence has been an asset to our team throughout our process of preparing for the season. We look forward to him assuming the role of the starter and leading our offensive unit.”
Against the Eagles, Griffin completed just 12 of his 26 throws for 190 yards with no touchdowns and one interception, and was the Browns’ second-leading rusher with 37 yards on five scrambles outside of the pocket.
With Griffin now out for an extended period of time, the Browns will turn to veteran backup Josh McCown.
In his first season with the Browns, McCown won the starting job over Johnny Manziel, but was hampered by injuries for the bulk of the year.
READ MORE: WKYC.com
Article Courtesy of WKYC Channel 3 News Cleveland
Picture Courtesy of Getty Images
