Robert Griffin III could miss 12 weeks with shoulder injury

Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin IIIis now expected to miss 10 to 12 weeks because of his shoulder injury, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Browns placed Griffin on injured reserve Monday after he fractured a bone in his left shoulder in Cleveland's season-opening loss at Philadelphia.

If Griffin is designated as the Browns' player to return from IR, he could return to practice in six weeks but must miss at least eight games.

Browns coach Hue Jackson said earlier this week that the team hopes Griffin can avoid surgery.

Veteran Josh McCownstarted at quarterback Sunday against the Baltimore Ravensand finished his opening drive by throwing a 31-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Corey Coleman.