Robert Griffin III Reportedly Has Chance to Be Redskins Starter Before Year Ends

The Washington Redskins have had three quarterbacks start multiple games this season in an improbable display of ineptitude at the game's most important position. Supposed franchise savior Robert Griffin III, the 2012 NFL draft's No. 2 overall pick, was most recently benched in favor of Colt McCoy.     

But before the 2014 campaign ends, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday that Griffin may very well resume leading Washington's offense:

That is rather surprising, considering the following inside information that trickled in on Thursday from The Washington Post's Jason Reid, concerning coach Jay Gruden's thoughts on RG3:

"

Although Gruden had doubts about Griffin before coming to Washington in January, Griffin was his unquestioned starter from the offseason workouts through training camp to Week 1 of this season. After working with Griffin for more than 10 months, however, Gruden is now done with him, according to multiple people within the organization.

"

This is just another twist in a sad saga for Griffin and the organization he was supposed to be the face of, following an electric rookie season that saw Washington seize the NFC East division crown.

NFL Network's Albert Breer noted how rocky Washington's on-field results have been since that time period:

Now Griffin, slowed by a knee injury from his first year as a pro, has reportedly alienated his teammates as far back as the preseason and hasn't performed like the elite QB he was thought to be.

Washington owner Daniel Snyder is reportedly "befuddled" by Griffin's steep decline, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen (h/t ProFootballTalk.com's Michael David Smith).

There has been talk that Griffin's time in the nation's capital is finished. Whether he moves from D.C. in a trade or remains through the end of his rookie contract that expires in 2015 remains to be decided.

Should he perform well if given the opportunity in the final four games of this season, though, and display more of a team-first attitude, perhaps Griffin can get back in Gruden's good graces and still thrive in Washington amid a contract year.

That seems rather unlikely. At the very least, though, Griffin can audition his skills for other potentially interested teams if he's granted the chance to get back on the field in 2014. It almost benefits Washington to play him in that context, as Griffin's shaky play over the past two seasons has diminished his trade value.