Florida State RB Treshaun Ward had to be helped off the field and into the locker room after suffering an apparent collarbone/shoulder injury.
The immediate concern is an AC joint sprain or separation, which is one of four joints that makes up the shoulder complex. It is specifically formed where the collarbone (clavicle) and the shoulder blade (scapula) meet, creating what is known as a plane style synovial joint by attaching the two.
The AC joint helps the scapula maintain proper position during shoulder rotation, which is why these sprains/separations are particularly impactful to quarterbacks. Running backs – like Ward – on the other hand, are generally able to play through AC joint injuries. For example, Vikings running back Dalvin Cook suffered a similar injury last season and played through it with a brace.
If Ward is dealing with an AC joint injury, he very well could suit up next week so long as it isn’t severe. If it is severe, the injury could take up to six weeks to heal.
