Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins has claimed that his preparation will not change, despite being named the team's starter for the rest of the season.

Coach Mike Shanahan took the decision to bench franchise option Robert Griffin III on Wednesday, leaving Cousins to take his place for the final three games.

Following the decision, Cousins told reporters: "I need to be ready to go, continue preparing as I have. There was nothing dramatic with the decision, I was just told by the coaches that they'd be going with me this week.

"I'm just going to try and help this team win; as starter, backup, whatever. It's tough circumstances being 3-10 but I've just got to be ready to lead the team.

"Robert never backs down and that's a quality I admire from him. He never flinches and he'd like to be out there. I hope that I can take what I've learnt from him and help the team."

Cousins has featured in just two matches so far this term.