The Washington Redskins will start Colt McCoy over Robert Griffin III at quarterback on Sunday against the Colts, coach Jay Gruden confirmed during a conference call with Indianapolis reporters Wednesday.

Gruden had informed the team Wednesday morning of the move, according to a source.

Although Griffin is not a part of Washington's plan for Sunday's game, he still appears to be a significant part of the Redskins' long-term plan, according to another source.

Yet right now, the Redskins are hitting the reset button, although it might not last long, a source cautioned, as Washington has high hopes for the coming offseason.

For the first time since the Redskins surrendered three first-round picks and one second-round pick for the right to draft Griffin in 2012, they will have their full allotment of picks in addition to room under the salary cap. Behind owner Dan Snyder and general manager Bruce Allen, the team will be positioned to strike this offseason, spend big-time dollars and improve its roster.

Also, Washington hired Gruden in large part for his stellar work with quarterbacks, and the team is convinced that coaching, cash and patience can help turn Griffin back into the player who won the Heisman Trophy and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in back-to-back seasons.

Colt McCoy will start at quarterback for the Redskins on Sunday in place of Robert Griffin III. Tom Pennington/Getty Images

But for now, it has been a battle. Griffin is coming off his most challenging NFL outing at San Francisco, where he was battered in the pocket and struggled when he did have time to throw during a 17-13 loss to the 49ers. That showing forced Washington to consider a change that is expected to become official Wednesday when Gruden meets with reporters.

A Redskins player texted the following to ESPN's Josina Anderson on Wednesday morning, after the Griffin benching was announced: "Production league. No production, gotta move on."

On Monday, Gruden said he intended to start Griffin against the Colts but never committed to it.