NFL | News and notes

Washington Redskins: Mike Shanahan gave Robert Griffin III a rest, and may have turned up the pressure on himself, too.

The Redskins’ coach announced Wednesday that he was benching the star quarterback for the rest of the season. Kirk Cousins will start, and Griffin will be the inactive No. 3 quarterback behind Rex Grossman.

Shanahan said he is benching Griffin to keep the quarterback healthy for the offseason, pointing out the 24 sacks and other hits Griffin has taken over the last five games. He said he ran the idea by owner Dan Snyder and general manager Bruce Allen, and that both offered their support.

Shanahan cited the need for Griffin to have a full offseason of development after missing this year’s workouts while rehabbing from knee surgery. But there’s no certainty that Shanahan will be around to coach in the offseason: The Redskins have lost five straight and are 3-10, their third losing season in Shanahan’s four years in Washington.

Griffin was clearly unhappy with Shanahan’s move.

“I expressed my desire to play,” Griffin said. “Of course I want to be out there and finish the season with my guys, see it through. He explained to me his reasoning, and at the end of the day Coach’s decision is what we go with it.”

Miami Dolphins: Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey is sidelined again, but he’s expected to play Sunday against New England.

The reason for Pouncey missing practice Wednesday was listed as “non-injury.” The team declined to say whether Pouncey was absent because of his grand jury subpoena related to the criminal case involving his friend, former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez.

Pouncey was served with the subpoena following the Dolphins’ game at New England in October, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. Pouncey hadn’t previously missed any practice time because of the subpoena, but he sat out two games in November with a gall bladder illness.

Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jacksonville Jaguars want running back Maurice Jones-Drew back next season.

Jones-Drew is doing all he can to make it happen.

He’s sharing carries, playing through injuries and complaining about nothing. He’s all in, fully committed to what’s happening in Jacksonville under coach Gus Bradley, general manager Dave Caldwell and owner Shad Khan.

Jones-Drew says, “I want to be here. It’s a fun environment. It’s different than I’ve ever been a part of. It works. It takes time to build anything. It’s starting to turn around for us, and we’re starting to play well. That’s exciting.”

Associated Press