Doctor Contradicts Redskins Coach, Says He Never Cleared Robert Griffin III To Return To Game

In week 14 against the Ravens, Robert Griffin III returned to the game for several plays after spraining a ligament in his knee. And despite what head coach Mike Shanahan said at the time, according to Robert Klemko of USAToday.com, famed orthopedic surgeon (and Redskins team doctor) Dr. James Andrews said he never cleared RG3 to return to the game.

In fact, Andrews said he and his staff never even had a chance to examine Griffin III.

"He didn't even let us look at him...He came off the field, walked through the sidelines, circled back through the players, and took off back to the field. It wasn't our opinion...We didn't even get to touch him or talk to him. Scared the hell out of me."

Was this just a case of confusion and miscommunication? Not according to Shanahan. After the game, Shanahan recounted to the media a conversation he had directly with Dr. Andrews during the game. "(I said) 'Hey, Dr. Andrews, can Robert go back in?'," said Shanahan. " And according to Shanahan, Andrews replied by saying 'Yeah, he can go back in'..."

To make matters worse for the Redskins (and Griffin III), Andrews says he is still worried about RG3's knee and that the doctor has been a "nervous wreck" and is "holding his breath" with Griffin III returning as quickly as he has.

[UPDATE] Robert Griffin III did indeed reinjure his knee in the Redskins playoff game. Video of the play can be seen here.