Kirk Cousins lauds RG III, says he has to ignore outside 'noise'

ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins isn't worried that Robert Griffin III remains on the roster.

The Redskins gave Cousins the starting job after the third preseason game, fueling speculation that the Redskins would cut Griffin. But they kept him around, in part because he hasn't yet been cleared following concussion-like symptoms suffered in the second preseason game.

Griffin's presence has led to talk that it could be a distraction -- for Cousins and the team.

"He's been great," Cousins said. "He's always been classy. I don't feel a distraction in the building. The distraction is if I turn on the TV, answer my phone, get on Twitter. As long as I'm in the building working hard and ignoring the noise even if there is something on the outside being said I don't feel it.

"We're playing in Washington, D.C., and for the Redskins and in the NFL, there's always going to be something going on there and it's so important to look forward and not look right or left."

Once Griffin is cleared -- they're awaiting the written results of his latest tests -- the Redskins will announce whether he's the No. 2 or No. 3 quarterback. If Cousins plays poorly, then the coaches will be asked about Griffin's possible return to the lineup.

But that's not Cousins' concern entering the season.

"You have to do your part and do well. I do feel believed in," Cousins said. "I haven't questioned that. I never questioned that. I have all the pieces around me to be successful."