Redskins coach Mike Shanahan optimistic RGIII will play

Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said quarterback Robert Griffin III took part in a full practice on Wednesday and that RGIII looks close to returning to full speed. Shanahan said he is still waiting for the doctors to clear Griffin to play.

Shanahan was optimistic, but said "hopefully there is no swelling but you just don't know. So, they will look at it tomorrow and hopefully they will tell us it is full-go." He also indicated that RGIII took most of the first-team reps on Wednesday at practice. Last week, Griffin was limited at practice all week and did not take first-team snaps, so this is clearly a sign of improvement.

RGIII sprained his knee late in the fourth quarter against the Ravens and did not play in Week 15 against the Browns. Rookie backup Kirk Cousins started in Griffin's place and led Washington to a 38-21 victory. RGIII has 2,902 yards passing and 748 yards rushing with 24 total touchdowns this season. If Griffin is unable to play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Cousins will get the start again.

This story originally appeared on SBNation.com.