NFL Notes: Redskins, Steelers, Texans, & Vikings

Redskins

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that upper management has offered HC Jay Gruden support after he publicly criticized QB Robert Griffin III earlier in the week.

Rapoport mentions that this is a much different approach from the team’s management than what they’ve done in the past few years.

According to Rapoport, the landscape has changed for RGIII as there will be no longer be special rules for him and his family. In the past, RGIII’s family basically had all-access passes to the team’s facility.

Washington reportedly has “internal doubts” that Griffin can be the same type of player he was during his rookie season due to the physical requirements.

As for Week 12’s game, Rapoport mentions that the Redskins will try to make things easier on their young quarterback by allowing him to make quick throws to playmakers.

Steelers

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wonders if RB LeGarrette Blount “walk[ed] out on the Steelers so he could walk right back to the New England Patriots?“

Bouchette admits that there is no evidence that this is what occurred with Blount, but it is a little curious that he went from a seemingly poor situation to getting his old job back with the Patriots.

Bouchette believes the Steelers should have made Blount pay some kind of price for walking out on them such as a fine or a possible suspension.

Texans

• John McClain would be surprised to see RB Arian Foster play in Week 12 given the amount of practice time he’s missed this week.
• McClain mentions that RB Alfred Blue should see playing time today.

Vikings

• Albert Breer reports that recently acquired RB Ben Tate will be active for Sunday’s game and is expected to have a role in the team’s offense, despite being with them for just a few days.