Joe Theismann: Robert Griffin III is Redskins' franchise quarterback

Former Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann said Tuesday that Robert Griffin III is the team's franchise quarterback.

Theismann made his comments on SiriusXM NFL Radio. He made headlines before the season when he said that Kirk Cousins would be the team's quarterback if there was a competition for the position.

Asked if new starting quarterback Colt McCoy, who's replaced the now-benched Cousins, could keep his job in the future, Theismann said no because Griffin is the team's quarterback "going forward."

“You know, when this whole brouhaha occurred in the beginning of the year when I said if you had to make a choice on a starter right now, Kirk would have the job — Robert is the starting quarterback. I said if there was a competition,” Theismann explained. “People forget that part of it. There is no competition in Washington, D.C. Robert Griffin III is the starting quarterback of the Washington Redskins.

“Unfortunately, he got hurt, and has lost a lot of very valuable time,” Theismann went on. “Where is Robert going to be when he comes back? That’s the big question. But make no mistake about it, he is the franchise quarterback. You’ve just got to keep him healthy…."

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While the quarterback situation has seemingly held the Redskins back, Theismann said he believes the team should have a better record and that it isn't far away from contending in the NFC East. 

Theismann wasn't the only one saying Cousins outplayed Griffin in training camp, and head coach Jay Gruden reportedly favored Cousins over the former No 2 pick.

Cousins struggled when given the starting job after Griffin injured his ankle in Week 2, particularly in the second halves of games. Overall, the quarterback completed 61.8 percent of his passes for 1,710 yards, 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions in six games in relief of Griffin.

Cousins was benched in favor of McCoy in the Redskins' game against the Tennessee Titans last Sunday, and Gruden said McCoy will now be the team's starter until Griffin returns.

Griffin returned to practice in a limited role last week. It's unclear when he'll be ready to return, but Gruden has said he won't play until he's "100 percent."

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Washington is 2-5 this season and in last place in the NFC East. The team plays the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night this week.