getty images

Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan says Robert Griffin III is "ahead of schedule" in his return from knee surgery.

Shanahan said that when Griffin comes back, he must learn how to protect himself in the face of the defenses in the NFL and needs to learn to slide and throw the ball away to avoid the big hits that lead to injuries.

Shanahan says that "if hard work has anything to do with it," he will be ready for the new season.

Griffin underwent surgery to repair knee ligaments after he was hurt in his team's playoff loss to Seattle.

Thanks to the APWire for this story.