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ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III has received medical clearance to return from a concussion he sustained just over three weeks ago and is probable for Sunday's season opener against Miami.
Coach Jay Gruden, speaking after Friday's practice, didn't say whether Griffin or Colt McCoy will back up starter Kirk Cousins against the Dolphins. He says the Redskins received written clearance for Griffin's return on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Gruden said the team had received a "verbal" report this week from the doctor who examined Griffin since he was injured Aug. 20 against Detroit.
Neurologist Robert Kurtzke originally advised the team Griffin could return to play in an Aug. 29 preseason game against Baltimore. But he reversed course in a written statement issued the day before the preseason game.
Gruden named Cousins the starter and demoted Griffin following Cousins' performance against the Ravens. He had said Griffin would be the starter in February.
On Friday, the Redskins coach said Griffin has responded well since the change.
"I'm sure he's frustrated a little bit, but we haven't been able to see it," Gruden said. "He's in meetings. He's still asking questions and doing everything he's asked to do in individual (drills), and when he's out there in team work he's throwing the ball good."
Gruden also had praise for Cousins, who will be starting a season opener for the first time.
"He's handled it very well. He's studying, taking a lot of notes. Very conscientious of everything he's seeing and doing in practice. When he has an issue we talk about it, try to get it fixed for him," Gruden said.
"The Miami Dolphin defense is going to give you some looks. They play a lot of different coverages and they've got a very good blitz package."
Elsewhere, offensive tackle and occasional blocking tight end Tom Compton (calf) did not practice for a third straight day Friday and is questionable for Sunday.
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