Kirk Cousins' Updated Fantasy Value After Robert Griffin III's Injury

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III left his team's Week 8 45-21 loss to the Denver Broncos with a left knee injury.

The team's official Twitter provided the specific ailment for the dynamic second-year signal-caller, and noted that his 2012 draft classmate Kirk Cousins entered to replace him:

It is unclear what the specifics of Griffin's injury are, but it is unlikely that Cousins will be the starting QB for Washington moving forward. While that would have significant fantasy football implications, relying on Cousins is unwise at the moment.    

First, a lot of what makes Washington's offense dangerous is the threat Griffin is to run the football. Since that crucial element has diminished this season, the Redskins have struggled considerably.

Griffin threw for just 132 yards in completing 15 of 30 passes with two interceptions and a touchdown. Cousins entered and chucked two picks in only nine pass attempts—including a pick-six.

Other than emerging rookie tight end Jordan Reed and Pierre Garcon, there aren't many viable targets for Cousins to throw to. Considering how well running back Alfred Morris is playing, too, it isn't likely the offense will be pass-heavy if Cousins is indeed the starter under center moving forward.

However, Lindsay Murphy of FOX 5 in D.C. reports that Griffin could have gone back into the game if it weren't such a lopsided affair:

A Washington defense that was shredded for most of the season before Sunday's showdown in Denver held up well for three quarters before being tagged by legendary QB Peyton Manning for 38 unanswered points.

The final three scoring drives, though, began on the Washington 35 or closer.  

Pump the brakes on anything involving Cousins fantasy-wise, especially with the extent of Griffin's knee injury unknown and the general ominous state of the 2-5 Redskins.