The Sports Xchange

Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden admits confusion over quarterback Robert Griffin III’s lingering symptoms of a concussion but says the team did everything “by the book.”

Griffin was sidelined for the Redskins’ 31-13 preseason win over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night after an independent neurologist reversed his decision and said RG3 was not cleared to play.

Griffin now must be re-evaluated later in the week.

“We’re all as confused as you are,” Gruden said after the game. “People have to understand this has nothing to do with the Washington Redskins. I know people want to make it out that we’re incompetent, but this had nothing to do with us. It was totally an independent doctor. A verbal (report) being said to our doctor, and then, all of a sudden, the written report is different. We followed proper course and did what we thought was right for Robert and what the report said. We followed everything by the book. … This was all put on us at the last minute.”

Griffin did go through a workout in warm-ups Saturday night, taking snaps and throwing passes for at least an hour.

Griffin participated in all four practices and the walk-through leading into Saturday’s game. Because the practices were considered noncontact, Griffin could take part.

On Friday, just hours before an independent neurologist announced Griffin was not cleared from a concussion, Gruden told the media that the quarterback had been given final medical clearance from multiple doctors to play Saturday night.

“We did everything by the book,” Gruden said after the game. “He was cleared for noncontact activity, so we didn’t put him in harm’s way in any way, shape or form. He felt OK at the time, and we still wanted to make sure we went through the necessary steps.”

Gruden intends to judge the health of Griffin before choosing his starting quarterback in the regular season.

Kirk Cousins got the start against the Ravens, completing 20 of 27 passes for 190 yards, one touchdown and an interception.

“Right now, I’m going to evaluate the game, go from there and find out how Robert is doing,” the second-year coach said. “I’m not going to announce anything. There’s no controversy.”