NFL news roundup: Kirk Cousins could keep starting job over Robert Griffin III, Vikings reinstate Adrian Peterson
Also, the Arizona Cardinals regained the services of linebacker John Abraham.
Patrick Smith
Washington received some positive news Monday when it learned quarterback Robert Griffin III avoided an ankle fracture. However, Griffin will still miss multiple weeks with an ankle dislocation, forcing backup Kirk Cousins to fill in during the interim. When head coach Jay Gruden met with the media to announce the diagnosis for Griffin, he refused to rule out the possibility that Cousins could usurp the starting job with a string of strong games.
In relief of Griffin on Sunday, Cousins completed 22 of his 33 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns. The performance stands in stark contrast to the offense under Griffin, which had failed to score a touchdown through the air in both the preseason and the team's Week 1 game against the Houston Texans. More importantly, Washington secured its first win of the season under Cousins. If he can continue to quarterback the team to wins, things could get very uncomfortable for RG3.
Minnesota Vikings view Adrian Peterson's actions as just parental discipline
Of the multiple disconcerting narratives that have dominated the NFL news cycle this past week, Adrian Peterson's was the biggest surprise. The Minnesota Vikings running back was indicted by a Texas grand jury on charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child. That child turned out to be Peterson's 4-year-old son. The Vikings quickly moved to deactivate Peterson for their Week 2 matchup with the New England Patriots.
Now the Vikings are changing direction, deciding to reinstate Peterson. GM Rick Spielman met with the media Monday to discuss the team’s stance on the matter, stating that in the organization’s view, Peterson’s actions were merely those of a parent disciplining his child.
The debate between taking swift, decisive action and allowing the legal system to run its course rages on with controversies involving children, and Peterson’s charges are no different. The Vikings will ride or die with their star running back, a decision that could have far-reaching effects if Peterson is ultimately found guilty of child abuse.
John Abraham will return to Arizona Cardinals this week
One of the sadder stories overshadowed by the Ray Rice controversy last week was the news that longtime NFL pass rusher John Abraham was mulling retirement amid issues with his short-term memory. Abraham suffered a concussion during the Arizona Cardinals' Week 1 win over the San Diego Chargers. With head trauma representing the biggest threat to the NFL, the linebacker's issues seemed to be just the latest sign of trouble for professional football.
However, there appears to be a positive end to this story. The 15-year vet will return to the team this week according to his head coach Bruce Arians.
Abraham currently stands ninth all-time in sacks with 133.5, including 11.5 during his first year with Arizona. Had Abraham been unable to return, the Cardinals would have been without three of their preferred defensive starters, linebacker Daryl Washington (suspension) and Darnell Dockett (ACL tear) being the others.
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