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Concussed RGIII won't play tonight against Ravens

REDSKINS quarterback Robert Griffin III will miss today's exhibition game at Baltimore because of a concussion, reversing an earlier decision to let him play.

REDSKINS quarterback Robert Griffin III will miss today's exhibition game at Baltimore because of a concussion, reversing an earlier decision to let him play.

In a statement released yesterday by the Redskins, NFL independent neurologist Robert Kurtzke is quoted that Griffin "should be held from game play this weekend and be retested in one [to] two weeks before a firm conclusion to return to game play can be made."

Griffin left last week's exhibition game against Detroit with what Redskins coach Jay Gruden said afterward was a concussion. The Redskins announced Thursday that Griffin had been cleared to play this weekend.

"We had anticipated yesterday that the patient would be cleared for full participation in game play this weekend," Dr. Kurtzke said in his statement yesterday. "However, upon further scrutiny today of the neuropsychology data, I agree with the neuropsychologist that he should be held from game play this weekend."

Last night, Griffin tweeted: "Trusting in God even when I don't understand why certain things happen."

Speaking to reporters for the first time since the game against Detroit, Griffin evaded questions Thursday about when - or even if - he sustained a concussion in that game.

"You've got to talk to the people who report that stuff," Griffin said. "I don't report that stuff. I was in the locker room, taking a shower, getting ready to watch the rest of the game, so I don't know."

So far, Griffin is 6-for=13 for 44 yards in two appearances, and the Redskins have not scored a touchdown with him on the field.

Last week against Detroit, Griffin left after four series, going 2-for-5 with two fumbles, three sacks and a few other big hits.

Griffin said Thursday he didn't know whether he was injured on his final play against Detroit, when he dropped the ball and then was hit as he tried to recover the fumble.

After the game, Gruden said Griffin got a concussion. He also said he left Griffin in the game because he wanted to give the first-team offense a chance to produce something positive.

In relief of Griffin, Kirk Cousins went 8-for-12, and Colt McCoy went 5-for-6, with both completing a touchdown pass.

Noteworthy * 

Some fans heading into Lambeau Field tonight to see the Eagles take on the Green Bay Packers in their preseason home game this year will encounter newly installed metal detectors.

Ticketholders using the Shopko gate will be the first to use the walk-through metal detectors. The NFL has mandated their use at all stadium gates by 2016. The Packers will install the detectors at all remaining gates next season.

They're a little different than the screening machines at airports. Fans won't have to remove jackets, belts, keys, wallets, watches or other objects of similar size. But, they will be asked to temporarily place cell phones, cameras, tablets and other larger metal objects in a tray near the machine.

*  Dallas offensive lineman R.J. Dill, a third-year player who hasn't appeared in an NFL game, has been suspended four games for violating the league's policy against performance-enhancing drugs. Dill said yesterday that he failed a drug test in May, about six months after he said he underwent testosterone replacement therapy when he was not under contract with a team. He said the NFL denied his request for a therapeutic use exception.

The Cowboys signed Dill in January. He is eligible for the rest of preseason practice and the two remaining exhibition games.

* The felony charge against Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter has been reduced to a misdemeanor count of assault and battery. Hunter had been facing a felony charge of malicious wounding that stemmed from a late-night flight at the Sandbar Raw Bar in Virginia Beach's oceanfront resort area during the Fourth of July weekend, according to Virginia Beach police.

The Commonwealth's Attorney office issued a release saying that "based upon subsequent interviews with witnesses, it is the Commonwealth's position that the evidence better supports the charge of assault and battery."

In its statement, the office said the case instead would go to trial on this misdemeanor charge Tuesday.

* The "Gronk of the Bronx" might just become the "Gronk of the Broncos." Dan Light, the Fordham tight end with the catchy moniker, signed with Denver. Light (6-5, 265) caught 177 passes for 1,594 yards and nine touchdowns during his four-year college career.