National Football League

Redskins' McCoy cleared to start Sunday vs Giants

Published Dec. 12, 2014 1:37 p.m. ET

foxsports

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) Colt McCoy received the OK from the doctor Friday to start Sunday against the New York Giants.

McCoy has been dealing with a sprained neck this week, but he was a full participant in Friday's practice, getting all of the first-team snaps. He then went to see a specialist, who cleared him to play.

Coach Jay Gruden had indicated that the doctor's approval would be a mere formality. Gruden said McCoy threw the ball fine with ''no issues whatsoever'' at practice.

McCoy sprained his neck in the fourth quarter of last week's 24-0 loss to the St. Louis Rams. He is listed as questionable on the injury report.

Robert Griffin III was pegged to start if McCoy wasn't cleared. Gruden said he took into account the ''total package'' of work from McCoy, Griffin and Kirk Cousins when making the decision and said McCoy's greater body of NFL experience helped make the difference.

''I think his decision-making right now is probably the best,'' Gruden said.

The Redskins have multiple injury concerns on both sides of the ball. Safety Brandon Meriweather and running back Roy Helu each have a sprained toe and have been ruled out, and linebacker Keenan Robinson (knee) also won't play.

Defensive end Jason Hatcher didn't practice Friday and is questionable with a knee injury. Gruden said DeSean Jackson has a ''50-50'' chance to play after missing last week's game with a bruised leg.

---

AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL