Kirk Cousins

Griffin leaves with concussion, Redskins left with more QB questions

Published Aug. 20, 2015 10:41 p.m. ET

Ross Jones

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III's night ended abruptly in the second quarter of Thursday's 21-17 preseason win against the Detroit Lions.

Teammates surrounded Griffin as he laid on the ground for more than three minutes.

Griffin was evaluated and later diagnosed with a concussion, coach Jay Gruden announced after the game.

Gruden said he has "no idea" on a timeline for Griffin's return, but stated he'd still be the starter when he returns.

Griffin dropped back eight times in four series. He was sacked three times, had a pass batted down and was hit much more. He was injured when he was attempting to recover a fumble after getting rolled up on.

The long-term concern, however, is: Will he be able to last the entirety of a 16-game season? Griffin's style of play lends itself to taking unnecessary hits. Playing from the pocket behind an offensive line that struggles to play with leverage puts him in harm's way, too.

For the Redskins, who invested so much on the offensive line this offseason, it was a forgettable performance. Griffin got pummeled. The young talent up front got -- if anything -- a learning experience.

By hiring offensive line coach Bill Callahan and investing a top-five pick on offensive guard Brandon Scherff, the Redskins hoped that stability was on the way.

Scherff, in the second preseason game, was exposed by Lions' Tyrunn Walker, leading to a Griffin sack.

Griffin, who has missed regular-season games with an assortment of injuries in each season since his rookie year, was replaced by quarterback Colt McCoy. Kirk Cousins took over at quarterback for the second half.

After missing six games with a dislocated left ankle and trying to acclimate himself to first-year head coach's Jay Gruden's system, Griffin is looking to take a major step forward and tap into his potential that flashed during the 2012 season.

Redskins brass bet on Griffin not sustaining a major injury this offseason by placing the fifth-year option on him. The option, which is fully guaranteed for injury only, would pay Griffin approximately $16 million in 2016.

It might be too soon to tell if that was a sound decision, but immediate concerns regarding their starting quarterback's availability have emerged.

While it was notable McCoy came into the game after Griffin went into the locker room, Cousins got much more work in the second half, looking sharp while completing 8 of 12 passes for 91 yards and throwing a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.