Redskins Vs. Bills Game Preview: Robert Griffin III To Play '12 To 20 Plays' In Debut

The Robert Griffin III era of the Washington Redskins will begin on Thursday night at Ralph Wilson Stadium against the Buffalo Bills. The Redskins have been busy in the offseason, looking to improve upon a 5-11 season that left many fans frustrated.

On Thursday night, head coach Mike Shanahan plans to play the first team anywhere from 12 to 20 plays, presumably with Griffin starting at quarterback. Shanahan went over his plans for the preseason in a press conference last Thursday.

I'm using that first team anywhere from 12 to 20 plays. Our second game I'll usually play [them] a half. The third preseason game, I usually play [them] a series into the third quarter, sometimes I'll get them out of there at the half depending on the number of plays. The fourth game you don't play. That's what I've done in the past, probably won't be too far from it this year.

What will also be interesting to see on Thursday night is how tight end Chris Cooley, coming off a knee injury that kept him out for much of 2011, will adjust to playing fullback. Grant Paulsen of 106.7 the Fan FM reports that Cooley expects to play a little out of the backfield, with fullback Darrel Young not likely to play.

Chris Cooley said he expects to play some fullback this Thursday against the #Bills. I don't expect to see Darrel Young play in BUF.

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) August 6, 2012

The game is set for a start at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Television coverage will be provided by Comcast SportsNet and on NBC Washington Nonstop with radio coverage provided by ESPN 980.