Robert Griffin III return still unknown as Washington Redskins play it safe

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan says they will not rush Robert Griffin III back into action before he is fully healthy - and insisted they are ready to go with Kirk Cousins at the start of the new season if their starter is not totally at 100 percent.

RGIII had surgery at the start of January to rebuild knee ligaments after he limped out of Washington's play-off loss against the Seattle Seahawks after bravely trying to play through the injury.

Although Griffin's doctor has stated he is ahead of schedule in his recovery, after taking criticism for keeping Griffin in the game whilst obviously injured, Shanahan will be taking no chances on his long-term fitness.

"You're hoping he's ready, but you can't plan for him to be ready," Shanahan told the NFL Network. "Kirk Cousins will work at the quarterback position. He'll have all the reps in the off-season.

"Robert will have a lot of reps, but it'll be mental. It'll be in the film room, watching people on the practice field, doing his rehab. But you can get a lot done mentally as well.

"As Dr. Andrews stated, he is ahead, but there's a process that takes time. Any time you deal with a knee or deal with ligaments, you can get the muscles stronger around it, but it does take some time.

"Robert will do it the right way, and we'll find out in July exactly where he's at."