(Photo: Richard Lipski, AP) LANDOVER, Md. — Robert Griffin III kept trying to lead the Washington Redskins past the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday's NFC wild-card contest on one good leg and pure guts until his wounded right knee just couldn't take any more.
His compromised leg finally failed him one last time as his sprained lateral collateral ligament buckled grotesquely as the franchise quarterback chased a low snap near his own goal-line with 6:19 left and the Seahawks leading 21-14.
After lying on the turf for several minutes, Griffin got up and was helped to the sideline by the team's medical staff as fellow rookie Kirk Cousins came on in relief.
MORE: Did Shanahan conceal handling of injury last month?
It now seems more likely that RGIII will need some kind of surgery this offseason. He first hurt the knee Dec. 9 and missed the following game.
Renowned orthopedist James Andrews relayed his concerns about Griffin to USA TODAY Sports' Robert Klemko before the Redskins even kicked off Sunday.
"I've been a nervous wreck letting him come back as quick as he has. He's doing a lot better this week, but he's still recovering and I'm holding my breath because of it," said Andrews, who contradicted the story of coach Mike Shanahan, who said Andrews cleared the rookie to return to action when he was first injured last month.
"He passed all the tests and all the functional things we do, but it's been a trying moment for me, to be honest with you," added Andrews, expounding on his decision to clear RGIII's return in Week 16 after he sat out one game.
Seattle Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson (26) scores a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at FedEx Field.
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Washington Redskins tight end Logan Paulsen (82) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Leonard Hankerson (85) during the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field.
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Seattle Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson (26) celebrates a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game.
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Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) and Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss (89) celebrate on the field after the first touchdown for the Redskins against Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field.
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Washington Redskins tight end Logan Paulsen (82) spikes the ball after scoring second touchdown for Redskins in first quarter of game against Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field.
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Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) runs with the ball as Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Brandon Mebane (92) blocks in first quarter of Redskins and Seahawks at FedEx Field.
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Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (46) runs the ball during the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field.
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Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) calls a play at the line during the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field.
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Washington Redskins running back Evan Royster (22) celebrates a touchdown with tackle Tyler Polumbus (74) during the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field.
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Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) scrambles on a play during the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field.
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Washington Redskins center Will Montgomery (63) prepares to throw the ball at Redskins game against Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field.
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Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) is hit by Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) after throwing during the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at FedEx Field. Griffin III was injured on the play.
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs out on the field before the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field.
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Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) high fives fans as he comes out on the field before the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field.
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A general view of FedEx Field before the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Redskins.
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