Robert Griffin III’s race with the Ravens is over.
Baltimore dismissed the RG3 on Monday after three seasons. The reserve quarterback ceases to have written Lamar Jackson for about a dozen games, including two as a starter. His last appearance was interrupted by what marked his entire career: an injury.
With Jackson off the pitch for a positive COVID-19 test, Griffin started short against Steelers in Week 12 and fought hard. He completed just 7 of 12 passes for 33 yards while launching a pick-six. The ninth-year veteran showed the mobility that made him a Heisman winner in Baylor and the offensive Rookie of the year in Washington, running for 68 yards. But the effort also produced an injury to the hamstring tendon that caused him to be pulled in the fourth period and fall into the reserve due to injury.
Still only 30, the first general choice number 2 may not be made in professional football. Griffin recovered earlier, briefly earning his initial job with the Browns in 2016, after being inactive throughout the 2015 campaign. He was also out for the entire year 2017 as a free agent.
The following spring, RG3 won a one-year contract with Baltimore, which lasted for two more seasons, a sign that its presence was valued, even if limited on the playing field.
The Ravens also announced the signing of 11 players for future bookings / contracts, including quarterback Tyler Huntley, who served as Jackson’s replacement in Saturday’s loss of the divisional round to the Bills.