The Sports Xchange

Kirk Cousins will be named the starting quarterback of the Washington Redskins, sending Robert Griffin III to the bench and his career back into a tailspin.

ESPN and NFL Network reported Monday that the coaching staff was set to inform both players of the decision Monday morning and proceed with the plan that Griffin, unless he is traded, would be the No. 2 quarterback ahead of Colt McCoy.

Griffin did not play in Saturday’s preseason game. He spent most of the week recovering from a concussion and shoulder stinger. The Redskins admitted uncertainty into Griffin’s status, even clearing him to return only to have a neurologist say he had not been cleared. Head coach Jay Gruden said the team did everything “by the book” regarding NFL concussion protocol which requires clearance from an independent neurologist.

The Redskins reportedly told other teams they may be willing to trade Griffin, but no other teams showed interest, per the report. Griffin’s $16.1 million salary this season, the fifth-year contract value set because he was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 draft, is extremely prohibitive. However, a team that loses its starter to injury might be inclined to blink at some point during the season.

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.”