Report: Trevor Siemian’s shoulder injury is ‘as bad as you get’

Jay Glazer is known for “scoopage.” The NFL insider for Fox certainly had it on Sunday.

Glazer reported that Trevor Siemian suffered a significant injury to his non-throwing shoulder. Siemian took a brutal hit from Clinton McDonald last Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was carted off the field.

“He actually has a Grade 3 separation of his non-throwing shoulder,” Glazer said on Fox NFL Sunday. “Grade 3 is as bad as you get. Basically the clavicle has separated from the shoulder. Its pressing against the skin. It’s a really bad pain management issue. It’s something that cosmetically it’s gonna be there pretty much for the rest of his life. It’s his non-throwing shoulder so they look for him to be back probably not next week (Thursday against the San Diego Chargers) but the week after that.”

Siemian did practice this week but it was apparent he was laboring for most of his throws. According to Glazer, we now know why. Siemian was also listed as questionable on the final injury report. Multiple outlets have said he will not be active for today’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. That means Austin Davis is the backup to Paxton Lynch, who makes his first career start.

So what does a Grade 3 separation mean - in terms of the injury and recovery time?

As I laid out earlier this week before we knew the severity, the injury to Siemian’s left arm is known as a separated shoulder. As orthoinfo.aaos.org says, “A shoulder separation is not truly an injury to the shoulder joint. The injury actually involves the acromioclavicular joint. The AC joint is where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the highest joint of the shoulder blade.”

The website Cedars-Sinai does a great job of laying out what a Grade III separation entails.

In terms of what the injury means: “Grade 3 AC joint separation is a complete separation of the joint, which is clear to see. Both sets of ligaments are torn as well as the capsule that surrounds the joint. Because there's no support to the joint left, the shoulder falls with the weight of the arm. The shoulder blade is pushed up making a bump on the shoulder.”

In terms of the recovery, as Siemian has been working with this week, according to Cedars-Sinai: “People with Grade 1 and 2 AC joint separations and most people with Grade 3 separations will be started on conservative medical treatment. This includes ice to reduce pain and swelling, rest and keeping the arm in a sling for up to two weeks. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be helpful for reducing pain and swelling. Physical therapy or a rehabilitation program will begin as soon as healing permits.”

The website doesn’t rule out those who suffer a Grade 3 separation needing surgery.

“Anyone who has a Grade 4 through 6 separation and some people with Grade 3 separations mostly likely will need surgery. Surgery is also an option if conservative medical care doesn't bring significant improvement.”

As is the case with injuries, time will tell all with Siemian. When it comes to severity and possible recovery time.