RG3 plans to be ready for Redskins training camp
ASHBURN, Va. --- Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III said Thursday he's planning to be back in practice when training camp opens July 25.
That would be two weeks sooner than the most optimistic projection of seven months from when had surgery Jan. 9 to fix the ACL and LCL he injured during the playoff loss to Seattle three days earlier.
"One, it's a mindset and then two, it's how it's progressed," Griffin said Thursday. "I feel confident in my body and the way it's been responding. Training camp's a month and a half away. That's why I say without a doubt. I think it's the right target if I'm healthy."
Griffin was especially upbeat after working four straight days along with his fellow rehabbing teammates.
"I felt good today," he said. "That's what I'm excited about, to have those four straight days and still feel good with no soreness. Every day you want to feel better and that's how it's been. I started throwing on the run a lot more, doing a lot more plant throws out of the play-action. I also bumped up the long-distance running. I'm feeling more comfortable doing everything."
Coach Mike Shanahan was glad to hear about Griffin's goal but stressed, "The doctors gotta OK him."
As for the season, Griffin is taking a wait-and-see approach.
"If I'm ready to go Week 1, then I play," he said. "If I'm not ready to go, then I can swallow my pride and not play. It's that simple. I told (Shanahan) I'd be honest with him. If there's an ounce of doubt or a minor setback, then I won't play."
--Running back Roy Helu, Washington's leading rusher as a rookie in 2011, managed only two carries in 2012 before his season ended in Week 3 with a toe injury that eventually required surgery in February. He finally returned to practice Wednesday after working on the side with Griffin et al during the first seven days of OTAs.
"I feel good," Helu said. "It's awesome just to be back with the guys competing."
Cornerback Chase Minnifield, who missed his rookie year of 2012 following knee surgery, also returned Wednesday, but was held out on Thursday.
Reserve tight end DeAngelo Peterson broke a bone in his right foot Wednesday and is sidelined indefinitely. Backup safety Jordan Pugh remained absent with an ear infection that prevents him from flying.
