Report: Neurologist Who Switched RG3's Concussion Diagnosis Resigns (UPDATE)

According to a report from Liz Clarke & Mark Maske of The Washington Post, Dr. Robert Kurtzke, the independent neurologist who reversed Robert Griffin III’s concussion diagnosis, then unreversed it a day later, has resigned from the neurological consultant program that works with the NFL and the NFLPA. He will finish out his work with Griffin until he is cleared, then leave the program.

Kurtzke’s diagnostic flip-flopping was part of a strange, sketchy few weeks for Washington. It was a awkwardly timed decision, given Jay Gruden’s then apparent and now fulfilled desire to replace Griffin with Kirk Cousins, but, according to the report:

Individuals close to the process said Kurtzke’s decision to err on the side of caution last week, given Griffin’s concussion history, was sound and the right thing to do, even if it caused confusion because of the reversal.

Concussions are not easily diagnosed, so some uncertainty is to be expected. Regardless, Griffin looks to be third on the depth chart behind Cousins and his backup Colt McCoy.

Update (12:56 p.m.): Turns out Alecko Eskandarian, former MLS’er with one USMNT cap, was treated by Dr. Kurtzke and has some criticisms of him:

Photo via AP