Robert Griffin III

Jay Gruden recently hinted that Week 11 could be the date on which Redskins QB Robert Griffin III returns to action.

“I would guarantee Tampa, most likely, unless something happens between now and then,” Gruden told SiriusXM NFL Radio on Wednesday. “You’ve got a good bye week, you’ve got a couple weeks to make sure it’s ready. Obviously Robert is a quick healer. He works extremely hard in the training room. So the process could be sped up a little bit depending on how he feels.”

It’s highly unlikely that Griffin will play in Dallas on Monday night, and nearly as unlikely that he’d play on a short week in Minnesota the following Sunday.

Waiting until after the bye gives Griffin more than three more weeks not only to heal but also to prepare.

Once healthy, Griffin will return to a good situation that includes Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson, Andre Roberts and a now-healthy Jordan Reed. The Redskins are currently 14th in fantasy points generated from its passing game, and Griffin adds the extra dimension of being able to run the ball. Expect low-end QB1/high-end QB2 numbers upon his return. His playoff schedule is favorable with matchups against the Rams, Giants and Eagles from Week 14 to Week 16.