Robert Griffin III: Ravens Would've Beaten Steelers If Not for Hamstring Injury

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III said he pulled his hamstring in the second quarter of the team's Wednesday loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he told reporters that if he had been healthy, he believes there would have been a different outcome. 

"I felt if I hadn't done that, we'd of won this game," he said, per Andrew Gillis of NBC Sports Washington, who noted that the 30-year-old felt "he let his team down." 

Griffin didn't come out of the game until the fourth quarter, when backup Trace McSorley took over and the team's starter had his leg wrapped on the sideline, according to Chet Gresham of DraftKingsNation. 

Griffin rushed for 68 yards on seven carries and completed 7-of-12 passes for 33 yards and an interception before giving way to McSorley, who posted 77 yards and a touchdown pass on 2-of-6 passing.

The Ravens turned to Griffin under center after defending league MVP Lamar Jackson was moved to the reserve/COVID-19 list—one of 23 Ravens players who have been placed on the list since Nov. 23. A reserve/COVID-19 list designation does not mean a player tested positive for the virus as the list is also used for those who have been identified as close contacts. 

There are 17 Ravens on the list now, per ESPN's Jamison Hensley.

According to Hensley, Baltimore promoted 10 players from its practice squad for Wednesday's game, which was originally scheduled for Thanksgiving before it was postponed three times. The Ravens did not fully practice in the days leading up to the game, with walkthroughs on Monday and Tuesday after their facilities re-opened following a five-day shutdown.

Griffin raised concerns about the league's interest in player safety after Wednesday's game and said that he thought his hamstring issue was related to limited preparation.

"It's not about whether or not guys want to play," he said. "It's about whether or not our safety is actually being taken into account. I can't say much more than that."