Team news: Atlanta Falcons | Page 36

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.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, representing Detroit in his Tigers cap, looked strong in his first public passing display since undergoing shoulder surgery in January.

“It felt good,” Stafford said of his shoulder. “It was fun. We just had a good time out here today — nothing too crazy, just fooling around a little bit. It’s good to be back here at Sanford Stadium in front of these great fans. This was a great turnout and a great day to be out here.”

Up against fellow Georgia quarterback legends and NFL veterans Eric Zeier, David Greene and D.J. Shockley, Stafford threw 12 passes in the competition and turned in the top score in two of the three events.

His most impressive showing ca

The Atlanta Falcons today released 13 players to reach the NFL’s mandatory 53-man roster limit.

“Today is never an easy day for anyone in the organization,” said Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff. “With that said however, we are pleased with our roster heading into the 2009 campaign. Our staff did a tremendous job of evaluating the entire team throughout the offseason, which included mini-camp, OTAs, training camp and preseason games.”

Players that were released include wide receiver Troy Bergeron, running back Thomas Brown, offensive lineman Michael Butterworth, wide receiver Robert Ferguson, linebacker Robert James, wide receiver Aaron Kelly, defensive end Maurice Lucas, cornerback William Middleton, tight end Jason Rader, quarterback D.J. Shockley, offensive guard Jose Valdez, defensive tackle Vance Walker and linebacker Jamie Winborn.

The Falcons have released quarterback D.J. Shockley.

Falcons backup quarterback D.J. Shockley might have blown a major opportunity to establish himself in the NFL on Friday night.

He entered the game in relief of Matt Ryan and got to play with the first-team offensive line in the second quarter.

He nearly had two passes intercepted and did have one intercepted by St. Louis linebacker James Laurinaitis that led to Rams scoring a field goal.

Shockley played three series and was 2-of-6 for seven yards and one interception. The offense picked up only one first down while Shockley was in the game, and that was on a 14-yard run by Norwood.

The Falcons signed tight end Marcus Pollard; signed cornerback
Darius Vinnett and offensive lineman Michael Butterworth to the
practice squad.

4for4 reports: Falcons inactives: QB D.J. Shockley (3rd),
WR Laurent Robinson, CB Brent Grimes, CB Glenn Sharpe, LB
Tony Gilbert, T Wayne Gandy, C Alex Stepanovich and DE
Simon Fraser.