National Football League

RG3 exits game with concussion

Published Oct. 7, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

Ross Jones

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III suffered a "mild concussion" and an early exit in Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. But that's not keeping him from thinking he'll play next week.

"Thank you for all the prayers & support I'm ok and I think after all the testing I will play next week," Griffin tweeted on his account after the loss.

Griffin took a brutal hit from Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon on a third-and-goal play with about six minutes left in the third quarter, was seen getting stitches on the sideline and then headed into the locker room.

"When he really wasn't sure what quarter it was, what score it was, we knew he had a mild concussion, at least according to the doctors," head coach Mike Shanahan said.

"(He) feels good right now, a lot better right now," the coach added. "But that was the situation why he didn't go back into the game."

Team spokesman Tony Wyllie says Griffin was examined by an independent neurologist before being sent home from the team's stadium and will be evaluated again Monday.

The Redskins initially announced that Griffin was ''shaken up'' and said his return to the game was ''questionable.'' He never did.

Rookie quarterback Kirk Cousins took over for the remainder of the game.

On his first play, Cousins completed a 4-yard pass to Josh Morgan, but the Redskins wound up going three-and-out and punting.

Despite an impressive start to his rookie year, Griffin has been criticized for leaving himself vulnerable. Shanahan vowed to put Griffin in situations where he will avoid taking hits.

Griffin completed 11 of 17 passes for 95 yards and only carried the ball once against the Falcons.

The Associated Press contributed to this report