Robert Griffin III left Redskins game early, being tested for concussion

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III left the game against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter Thursday night, suffering what the team called a stinger at first but later added that he was undergoing concussion testing.

Head coach Jay Gruden said after the game that Griffin was going through the league-mandated concussion protocol after taking a hit to the head and neck area in the second quarter.

The Redskis offensive line let him down badly early — Griffin was hit or sacked on three of his first five dropbacks. Griffin completed 2-of-5 passes for 8 yards and took three sacks in four series of work before coming out. It was ugly.

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On the 3rd and 16 play on he was injured, Griffin was stripped and tried to recover his own fumble. Lions defensive lineman Corey Wootton fell on top of Griffin and appeared to tweak the area between his neck and Griffin’s right shoulder, with his head being hit to the side. (Wootton, you might remember, delivered the knockout blow with the Chicago Bears to Brett Favre with the Minnesota Vikings on his final NFL play in 2010.)

Griffin remained down for a few moments, being tended to by Redskins trainers on the field before walking off. The team’s official Twitter account said Griffin had suffered a stinger before Gruden mentioned the concussion.

After this, he was ruled out officially before the half had ended. Gruden said after the game that Griffin’s shoulder was fine.

And depending on the timetable of the concussion, Gruden indicated that Griffin remains the starter. Right now, there is no estimate for his return.

This is not the way the Redskins wanted to started out this game, obviously, especially with first-round pick Brandon Scherff being abused on one of Griffin’s first sack in which he didn’t even have a chance. The Redskins are trying to find an identity, and now their quarterback was mauled in a brief spell against a depleted defensive front in the Lions.

Even if Griffin is cleared for a concussion, would they even consider sending him to face the Baltimore Ravens in the third preseason game? The way the Redskins pass protected, they might be better served leaving him behind.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm