Matt Ryan of Indianapolis Colts sidelined for a grade two shoulder separation

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan is out for the remainder of the NFL season after suffering a grade 2 shoulder separation on Sunday in a 19-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Ryan will be replaced by Sam Ehlinger, who was picked by the Colts in the sixth round of the 2021 draft, and had a strong pre-season.

“Right now, the move is for Sam to be the starter for the rest of the season,” Colts head coachFrank Reich said.

Ryan has been off to a rough start this year, tying the top of the league being sacked (tackled behind the line of scrimmage, resulting in a loss of ground) 24 times, and has thrown a league-worst nine interceptions. He has also thrown for 2,008 yards (ca 1,836 m) and nine touchdowns in seven games.

There has been discussion about Ryan’scontract being the reason for him sitting. Simply put, he would get more than US$7 million if he suffers an injury severe enough that would prevent him from passing a physical in March 2023. Ryan is already guaranteed a base salary of US$12 million next year — the seven million would be on top. 

For this reason, some are saying he will not be put back on the field even if he is recovered, for risk of another injury. Ryan could also be traded to another team or released to be a free agent.

Ryan is a veteranby NFL standards. He was picked third overall in the 2008 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons and named MVP in 2016. The same year he lost Super Bowl LI with a score of 34-28, an infamous game featuring Tom Brady and the New England Patriots making the largest comeback in Super Bowl history, having been down 28-3.

Matt Ryan suffers grade two shoulder separation

A shoulder separation, also known as an acromioclavicular joint separation or type II separation, is an injury to theacromioclavicular (AC) joint, where the collarbone and shoulder blade meet. In agrade two separation, the joint covering is torn and the ligaments connecting the two bones stretch, but do not tear. 

This can often result in a permanent bump on top of the shoulder, and pain lasting anywhere from four to six weeks, though it is possible there will be long-lasting discomfort when performing certain athletic activities.

Fortunately for Ryan, surgery is rarely needed for a grade two shoulder separation.

A grade 1 separation is closer to a shoulder sprain, while a grade three involves the ligaments connecting the shoulder blade to the collar bone tearing.

The worst level is a grade five, where the end of the collar bone can tear through the muscles surrounding it. Surgery is usually recommended for people with a grade five shoulder separation.

How to heal a grade 2 shoulder separation 

For most instances, the affected arm will be put in a sling to minimize movement. Heat packs, ice packs, and medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs are also standard.

However, if pain continues after six weeks, surgery may be needed, although that istypically only for Grade 3 and higher.

A doctor will perform an arthroscopic surgery, which involves using a tiny camera to see inside the body and repair the joint without having to make a large incision. The benefit of arthroscopic surgery’s small cut is shorter recovery times, less pain, and fewer complications.

Chris Arnold is a Toronto-based writer.

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