Redskins rookie sensation Robert Griffin III suffered a Grade 1 sprain of the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee during the team’s 31-28 overtime victory over Baltimore. He is considered day to day but some experts are saying it would be a risk for him to play at Cleveland Sunday.

“Based on my experience, I wouldn’t be surprised if [the Redskins] protect him and don’t rush him back,” said Neal ElAttrache, an orthopedic surgeon, who performed knee surgery on Tom Brady a few years ago. “[With] the way he plays — he’s not a stationary quarterback — and the fact he has his whole career ahead of him, I would be surprised if they weren’t very careful with him and let this thing heal up.”

During a news conference Monday, Coach Mike Shanahan said the Redskins will do what’s in Robert’s best interests. “Usually when you do that, it’s the team’s best interests as well,” he said. “We’re not going to put him out there if we think he’s not completely healthy and he can’t do the things that help us win.”

The Redskins, who at 7-6 are solidly in the hunt for a playoff berth, need to win out to take the NFC East title. They may have turn to fellow rookie QB Kirk Cousins who after all led the Skins from behind with a touchdown pass and two-point run to tie the game at the end of regulation.

“It’s a next-man-up type of league. Kirk did a great job, just came in and it speaks of his character,” Redskins guard Chris Chester said. “He has the natural ability to lead as well. He came in, didn’t miss a beat and called the play and got us ready to go.”