World-renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews is worried about Robert Griffin III's right knee. He has been since the Washington Redskins' rookie quarterback took a nasty hit during a narrow Dec. 9 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
"I'm the one that shut him down that day, finally," Andrews told USA Today on Saturday. "I've been a nervous wreck letting him come back as quick as he has. He's doing a lot better this week, but he's still recovering, and I'm holding my breath because of it.
"He passed all the tests and all the functional things we do, but it's been a trying moment for me, to be honest with you."
Andrews was on the field that day, and there is a dispute as to how the injury originally was handled. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said Andrews cleared RG3 to return. Andrews said that didn't happen. Griffin went back in for four plays before shutting it down.
"He didn't even let us look at him," Andrews said. "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."
Brandt: Playoff QB rankings
Who is the best quarterback in the playoffs? The worst? Gil Brandt provides his rankings, as well as wild-card picks. **More ...**
Griffin has been forced to wear a bulky brace on his knee after he missed one game with the injury.
This is the second time Shanahan has been questioned about the handling of a Griffin injury. The Redskins were fined $25,000 after saying Griffin was "shaken up" in Week 5 when he really sustained a concussion.
Andrews' worries are understandable. The Redskins sold everything but their souls for the right to draft the quarterback No. 2 overall in 2012. And RG3 is one of the most dynamic players ever to enter the NFLÂ with an unlimited ceiling -- if things go right. Some would argue he's already amongst the most popular players in franchise history.
Andrews said he is responsible for making sure Griffin is OK for the next 15 years. I'd be worried, too.
UPDATE: A Redskins spokesperson said "no comment" Sunday, according to The Washington Post, in response to Andrew's claims.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
