Robert Griffin III Injury: Redskins Reportedly Pleased by RGIII's Recovery

Good news for fans of the Washington Redskins. Robert Griffin III is making enough progress in his rehab from a serious knee injury to make the team believe he's on track to start Week 1, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

"

Redskins officials already are encouraged enough with @rgiii's recovery to believe he has a legitimate chance to start on opening day.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 14, 2013"

The fact the Redskins already think RGIII is trending in the right direction about seven months before the season starts is extremely positive news. A lot of hurdles remain, of course, but a promising report in February should please the team's fanbase.

Griffin had an amazing rookie season. He proved the Redskins were smart to trade up for him in the draft by accumulating more than 4,000 yards of total offense and 27 touchdowns. The second overall pick also turned the ball over just seven times.

Those eye-popping numbers, paired with the fact he led the Redskins to the playoffs by winning the NFC East, were enough to earn him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Other accolades included being named Offensive Rookie of the Month twice and earning a Pro Bowl selection.

Griffin's availability for the start of next season has been in question ever since he suffered a gruesome knee injury in the team's playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks. 

Mark Maske of The Washington Post reported last month that Dr. James Andrews repaired Griffin's LCL and ACL, and sources stated the first two months of rehab were crucial, which makes this report all the more promising.

RGIII is not out of the woods yet, though, as there is a lot of rehab to complete between now and September. With that being said, the early signs out of Washington are good.

Redskins fans can also be encouraged by the fact Minnesota Vikings superstar running back Adrian Peterson returned from a serious knee injury of his own, and it didn't stop him from terrorizing opposing defenses. They will hope Griffin can do the same.

As of Feb. 14, it sounds like he's on a path to do exactly that.