DALLAS -- Robert Griffin III's return will have to wait another week, as the Washington Redskins started Colt McCoy at quarterback for Monday night's game against the Cowboys.

Colt McCoy will make his first start since 2011 on Monday. AP Photo/Mark E. Tenally

The move is not surprising given that Griffin was considered a long shot to return for this game. From the time coach Jay Gruden announced he was even considering Griffin, it remained just a remote possibility, according to sources in the organization.

Gruden made it clear that Griffin would have to be operating at a high level in practice after missing the previous five games because of a dislocated left ankle. Also, Gruden had said he wanted Griffin to have a couple of good weeks of practice before returning. Although Griffin was able to practice last week for the first time, he was still considered limited.

The Redskins want to make sure he's not only healed physically but also is at a point where he can run the offense well, an important point considering it's his first year in this system.

That leaves the job to McCoy, albeit temporarily, as Griffin could return for Sunday's game at Minnesota. McCoy will make his 20th career start -- and first since Dec. 8, 2011 -- in his native state.

He relieved Kirk Cousins for the second half of last week's 19-17 win over Tennessee, driving the Redskins to a last-second, game-winning field goal. McCoy completed 11 of 12 passes for 128 yards and one touchdown.