Kirk Cousins, DeSean Jackson Fantasy Outlook After Robert Griffin III Concussion

Robert Griffin III has once again run into injury trouble. This time it comes in the second week of the preseason against the Detroit Lions, and the Washington Redskins released the official word on their quarterback after the game:

If there were any fantasy owners who were willing to take a chance on Griffin this season, another injury all but ends that hope. But his absence is still going to affect your draft if you are planning to take wide receiver DeSean Jackson and now quarterback Kirk Cousins. 

Forced back into the starting spot for another season, Cousins has an opportunity to improve on a 10-touchdown, nine-interception season that saw him record 86 points in six games, according to ESPN Fantasy Football. 

He was not afraid to sling it last season, averaging 34 passes per game last year, and he most likely won't have any inhibitions in 2015, either. 

Of course, this all depends on how long this concussion is going to keep Griffin sidelined, as no timetable has been released, but Cousins is set to start at least the first two or three games of the regular season.

Former Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan holds the utmost confidence in Cousins, according to Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post:

"

I think Kirk Cousins has got a big-time future. He’s a starter in the National Football League, and that’ll be proven out in time. People will find out in the future that Kirk Cousins is a starter in the National Football League. He’s going to have a great career as a starter.

"

For now, if you're looking for a QB2 option who is capable of putting up the occasional big game, Cousins is a possibility. Expect him to put up the same kind of numbers this season, between 80-85 points if Griffin's absence is extended. 

For Cousins' biggest target, Jackson won't suffer much fantasy-wise with the change in quarterback. Washington still contains a solid running game that can be relied on with Alfred Morris, whose presence will surely open up the passing game for Cousins.

With Cousins a mobile quarterback within the pocket, Jackson's chances won't be cut down by the scrambling of a running quarterback like Griffin who abandons the passing game as soon as there is a hint of pressure. 

Don't let the change under center deter you from taking the explosive playmaker. He still is going to put up close to 1,000 yards this season and around five touchdowns, which will get you somewhere north of 135 points. 

Stats courtesy of ESPN.com