Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan declined to say if it is automatic that QB Kirk Cousins would start next Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings at FedEx Field if Griffin is sidelined. The decision about Griffin’s playing status is out of the Redskins’ hands. Griffin, under NFL rules, must be cleared by an independent neurologist before being allowed to practice or play.

“We’ll make the decision that we think gives us the best chance to win,” Shanahan said of the potential choice between Cousins and Rex Grossman. “We’ll sit back and make those decisions at a later time.”

After Robert Griffin III exited the game Sunday with a concussion, the Redskins announced that Griffin had been “shaken up” and his return to the game was questionable. No further update about Griffin’s injury status was provided during the game.

After the game, Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said it became apparent to the team quickly that Griffin had a concussion.

“At that time when he wasn’t really sure what the score was, what quarter it was, we knew he had a mild concussion, at least according to the doctors,” Shanahan said. “He feels good right now—a lot better right now. But that was the situation, why he didn’t go back into the game.”

Griffin tweeted that he was fine and he expects to play in Week 6 but not remember the score makes it seem a little more serious. Either way, he will still have to pass his concussion tests this week. Backup Kirk Cousins would start in place of Griffin against the Vikings if RGIII can't go, but Cousins doesn't possess the same skills Griffin does which always makes him a top play. We'll monitor RGIII's progress all week leading up to the game, but there's a chance you will need to go another direction at QB.

Redskins QB Robert Griffin III suffered a mild concussion during the third quarter of the Redskins’ 24-17 loss to the Falcons, according to coach Mike Shanahan.

On a third and goal play from the Atlanta three, the rookie quarterback scrambled to his right and got hit by linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. Griffin was slow getting up and had to be helped to the sideline.

A team spokesman said that Griffin was going to leave the stadium and go home. Per the NFL concussion protocol he will have to pass a baseline test and get cleared by an independent doctor before he can return to practice.

Kirk Cousins completed 5-of-9 passes for 111 yards for one TD and two interceptions.

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said rookie Kirk Cousins will QB the third unit on Thursday.