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James Andrews: RG III 'way ahead'

NFL, Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is "way ahead of schedule" in his recovery from surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL, Dr. James Andrews told the NFL Network on Friday.

"We have him well on his way," Andrews told the NFL Network. "His recovery is way ahead of schedule so far. We don't have to do much but try to hold him back, if you want to know the truth. Our whole mode for him though is to do what is best for his career, not necessarily what is best for the first game next season. So all of that has to be put on hold and let him get well."

Griffin suffered a sprained LCL in Washington's Week 14 win against the Baltimore Ravens, but returned two games later. He then tore two knee ligaments in a first-round playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks and had surgery Jan. 9.

Andrews, the Redskins team doctor who is on the sideline for their games, told USA Today after the playoff game that he did not clear Griffin to return, though coach Mike Shanahan said he got the OK from Andrews.

Team and league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Feb. 14 that Redskins officials are encouraged enough with Griffin's recovery to believe he has a legitimate chance to start in the 2013 opener.

Griffin won The Associated Press 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award after setting the NFL record for best passer rating by a rookie quarterback and leading Washington to its first NFC East title in 13 years.

Information from ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter was used in this report.

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