RG3 still not cleared for Redskins opener vs Dolphins

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is still awaiting medical clearance to return from a concussion he sustained three weeks ago.

Asked on Thursday why the team had yet to receive a written response from the independent neurologist who examined Griffin this week, coach Jay Gruden replied: ''No idea. Wish I knew.''

Griffin or Colt McCoy will back up starter Kirk Cousins on Sunday when Washington opens its season against the Miami Dolphins. Even with the delayed clearance, Gruden wouldn't automatically insert McCoy as the No. 2 for Week 1.

''We don't have to announce the backups, the 53-man roster and the 46-man roster until really Sunday afternoon at 12 o'clock,'' Gruden said. ''We'll just wait and see.''

Elsewhere, Gruden said rookie fourth-round draft pick Jamison Crowder would return punts and third-year running back Chris Thompson would return kickoffs.

Offensive tackle and occasional blocking tight end Tom Compton (calf) did not practice for a second straight day Thursday. Washington has only three tight ends, and Anthony McCoy, who fits best into Compton's blocking role, just joined the team as a free agent Monday.

On Wednesday, Gruden said the team had received a ''verbal'' report this week from the doctor who has examined Griffin since he was injured Aug. 20 in a preseason game against Detroit.

Neurologist Robert Kurtzke originally advised the team Griffin could return to play in an Aug. 29 preseason game against Baltimore before reversing course in a written statement issued the day before that game.

''We know what happened last time,'' Gruden said Wednesday. ''So we'll wait and see what happens with the written (result) and make it official.''

Gruden named Cousins the starter and demoted Griffin following Cousins' performance against the Ravens. He had said Griffin would be the starter in February.

---

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL Twitterfeed: www.twitter.com/AP-NFL