Robert Griffin III Out Against Cowboys, Colt McCoy To Start

Washington has officially ruled quarterback Robert Griffin III out against Dallas on Monday night. The announcement doesn’t come as much of a surprise because even Griffin, who has been out since dislocated his ankle in Week 2, tempered expectations when discussing his return last week.

“We’re not going to rush my ankle,” Griffin said, “It’s a blessing that I wasn’t hurt as bad as it could’ve been. It’s been a blessing, and I’ve been recovering right on time.” He did acknowledge the significance of a conference game against the Cowboys, but reiterated the importance of not rushing back.

That means Colt McCoy, who was name the starter last week by Washington coach Jay Gruden, will get the nod against Dallas. Kirk Cousins started the previous five games before being benched in the second half of the game against Tennessee in Week 7.

McCoy performed well in place of Cousins, who became an interception machine after a promising two-game start, completing 10-of-12 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown. McCoy wasn’t flashy, but he was efficient, and actually salvaged a win—Washington’s second of the season.

The primetime stage against Dallas is, without question, the biggest one of his NFL career to date. McCoy started 19 games in Cleveland, although it’s been quite awhile since his last start, which was December 8, 2011.

Suffice it to say, the Cowboys are going to be a much more substantial test for McCoy than the hapless Titans. It should be interesting.