RG3 dislocates ankle in Redskins’ season opener

JOSEPH WHITE
AP Sports Writer

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Robert Griffin III’s season is in jeopardy after he dislocated his left ankle in the first quarter of the Washington Redskins’ win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Griffin was scheduled for X-rays and an MRI to determine more about the injury. He and coach Jay Gruden did not offer a timetable for the quarterback’s return, but the injury typically sidelines NFL players for at least two months. If there is also a fracture, Griffin will need surgery and will almost certainly be done for the year.

The prognosis is better for Redskins receiver DeSean Jackson, who sprained the AC joint in his left shoulder in the first quarter. Jackson held out hope that he will be able to play next week against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis left the game with a high left ankle sprain, an injury that usually sidelines a player for several weeks. He was injured on the first play of the third quarter and was later carted to the locker room.

Griffin was hurt while making an acrobatic, leaping, across-the-body throw near the sideline while being pursued by linebacker Paul Posluszny. Griffin landed awkwardly on his ankle as he finished the throw and then tumbled out of bounds. The pass was caught by Jackson for an 11-yard gain.

While play continued, Griffin’s leg was placed in a splint. He wiped his brow and waved, saluted and gave a thumbs-up signal to the crowd as he was carted along the sideline toward the players’ tunnel. The fans chanted “R-G-3!”

It was the latest setback for a promising but injury-marred career. Griffin missed all or part of four games in his record-setting rookie season of 2012 due to various injuries, including a torn right ACL that led to reconstructive knee surgery.

Griffin also tore his right ACL in college at Baylor.

On the Redskins’ next series, Jackson was hurt when he got tangled with safety Josh Evans on an incomplete pass. Jackson walked off the field and down the tunnel instead of heading to the sideline, gingerly supporting his left arm and shoulder.

Jackson was the Redskins’ prized free agency acquisition this year after he was cut by the Philadelphia Eagles. He signed a three-year, $24 million contract that includes $16 million guaranteed.

Three other Redskins players left the game early. Running back Roy Helu strained a quad muscle, guard Shawn Lauvao sprained his right knee, and fullback Darrel Young sprained his back. Gruden said all three will probably be day to day.

For the Jaguars, rookie receiver Allen Hurns injured his left ankle and was scheduled for X-rays.

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