Jay Gruden has admitted that he was confused after learning that Robert Griffin III had not been cleared to play in the Washington Redskins' NFL pre-season game against the Baltimore Ravens.

The NFC East side's starting quarterback was tested for a concussion after taking a hit to the head last time out, with an independent neurologist telling the team he would be able to play this weekend, before the NFL's doctors blocked his return.

The head coach told ESPN: "We're all as confused as you are. People have to understand this has nothing to do with the Washington Redskins.

"I know people want to make it out that we're incompetent, but this had nothing to do with us. It was totally an independent doctor. A verbal report being said to our doctor, and then, all or a sudden, the written report is different.

"We followed proper course and did what we thought was right for Robert and what the report said. We followed everything by the book. This was all put on us at the last minute. He was cleared for non-contact activity, so we didn't put him in harm's way in any way, shape or form."

Kirk Cousins started in Griffin's place, leading the team to a 31-13 victory.