Robert Griffin III practices for Redskins, hoping to start Sunday

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Landover, Md., Monday, Dec. 3, 2012. / AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

ASHBURN, Va. Robert Griffin III is back on the practice field for the Washington Redskins, hoping the team will let him play this week as he recovers from a sprained right knee.

Griffin looked smooth Wednesday as he went through drills during the 20 minutes that the practice was open to reporters.

20 Photos

Week 15 NFL Highlights

Griffin was held out of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns after injuring his knee the week before.

Backup Kirk Cousins started the Browns game and threw for 329 yards in a 38-21 win. Griffin wanted to play, but coach Mike Shanahan said that doctors had not cleared the rookie quarterback.

The Redskins visit the Philadelphia Eagles this week. Washington has won five in a row to move into a three-way tie atop the NFC East.

• RG3 won't play until he's 100 percent, Redskins say

Griffin was injured in the final minutes of regulation in the Redskins' 31-28 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens.

As CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson noted, Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata -- all 340 pounds of him -- caught Griffin flush with a big hit. The force of the collision caused the quarterback's right leg to whip violently as he went to the ground. (Watch the hit here).