BALTIMORE — The Ravens suffered their first notable injury of training camp when backup quarterback Robert Griffin III hurt his right thumb in the final minutes of Saturday’s practice.
The 29-year-old hit his hand on outside linebacker Tim Williams’ helmet after throwing a pass and went to the locker room before the conclusion of the workout at M&T Bank Stadium. Griffin would not disclose the nature of the thumb injury after undergoing an X-ray, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported he could miss four to eight weeks with a hairline fracture, leaving his availability for the Sept. 8 season opener in Miami in question.
Griffin appeared distraught upon returning to the field after practice, but he was able to sign a few autographs for fans before talking to reporters.
“I can’t tell you guys anything. It’s not my job. I’ve got to let the team tell you,” said Griffin, whose once-promising career with Washington was derailed by injuries. “I was having a great camp, feel good, so I’m real excited about what we’re going to be able to do this year.”
The injury likely leaves the Ravens needing to sign another quarterback as rookie sixth-round pick Trace McSorley is the only healthy option behind starter Lamar Jackson on the 90-man roster. Griffin signed a two-year, $4 million contract in March to remain with the Ravens after revitalizing his NFL career as a reserve last season. He attempted only six passes in limited action after sitting out the entire 2017 season, but the 2012 first-round pick served as Jackson’s backup for four games when former Ravens starter Joe Flacco suffered a hip injury in early November.
With Flacco being traded to Denver in March, the Ravens prioritized keeping Griffin as the backup and mentor to the 22-year-old Jackson, who expressed concern for his veteran teammate after practice.
