When Should RGIII Play Again?

I continue to believe that Shanahan should have shouldered more responsibility for RGIII's injury. But it's time to look to the future.  When is it safe for RGIII to play again?

Hard question to answer, since RGIII appears to be superhuman. But but one approach is to compare RGIII's recovery timeline to that of Adrian Peterson, who recently made his own superhuman recovery from ACL surgery.



Usually it takes 7-12 months (estimates vary) to recover from surgical repair of both the ACL and LCL, and sometimes an additional year to return to top form. However, RGIII is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Adrian Peterson, who needed just one off-season to go from ACL tear to NFL MVP.

Here's the key question: Is RGIII recovering at the same pace as Adrian Peterson?

Date of Injury
Peterson tears his ACL on December 24 of 2011.  RGIII tears both his ACL and LCL on January 6, 2012.

Date of Surgery
Peterson is operated on by Dr. James Andrews on December 30.  RGIII is operated on by Dr. James Andrews January 9.  RGIII begins recovery 10 days behind Peterson's schedule, and with a more serious injury.

Cleared to Start Running
Peterson starts running March 26, RGIII starts running approximately the first week of April.

Cleared to Start Making Cuts
Peterson is cleared to make cuts May 9, RGIII is cleared to make cuts approximately early June.  RGIII is about 1 month behind Peterson's recovery schedule.

Cleared to Practice
Peterson is cleared to practice August 12 after being placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list July 27.  RGIII is cleared to practice July 22.  RGIII has made up time and now is on or ahead of Peterson's recovery schedule.

Cleared to Play
Peterson skips the pre-season but plays in game 1, rushing for 84 yards and 2 TDs.  RGIII says he expects not to play in the pre-season.  But signs point to RGIII playing in game 1 of the regular season.

What Does It All Mean?
It's hard to directly compare Peterson and RGIII.  There are at least three key differences:

1. RGIII injured both his LCL and ACL, Peterson just his ACL.
2. RGIII had already torn his ACL once, so this was a re-repair.
3. RGIII has a lankier build than Peterson, which potentially makes him more prone to injury.  

In sum, it appears that RGIII has followed Peterson's recovery pace well enough to responsibly begin the season as the Skins starting QB.  The larger question is whether RGIII -- who has now sustained season-ending knee injuries both at the college and NFL level -- can stay healthy long-term.