An important five-week checkup this week revealed that Robert Griffin III's fractured coracoid bone in his left shoulder is showing signs of healing, sources said Tuesday, and doctors believe the Cleveland Browns quarterback, barring any setbacks, will not require surgery.

After Griffin originally suffered the injury in September, the team feared he would miss the remainder of season if surgery was required. The Browns placed him on injured reserve, hoping proper healing could mean an earlier comeback.

The IR designation means Griffin still wouldn't be able to return to action until Nov. 10 against Baltimore. It is still to be determined whether that is a realistic timeline, in terms of the healing process.

A source close to the player said Griffin plans to be extremely patient with his return and has not placed a timeline on when he'll be back.

Meanwhile, Josh McCown still awaits clearance to return to game action from his collarbone injury, which means rookie quarterback Cody Kessler will start against the Bengals this weekend. If McCown can't play, rookie Kevin Hogan will be the backup.