Here's how long Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson could miss with an AC joint injury
Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts is believed to have an AC joint injury in his right shoulder, which took the punishment as Tennessee's Harold Landry III tackled him on a running play Sunday.
The injury is commonly called a separated shoulder.
There are several degrees of AC joint injuries, which can range from mild swelling to tearing of multiple ligaments near the shoulder and collarbone. The mildest form of the injury can heal in a few weeks, while more severe injuries can require surgery and several weeks to heal.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr suffered an AC joint injury in Week 3 but played the following week, struggling in a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"That's no excuse for us playing the way we did today," Carr said after Week 4. "Whatever it is that I have to do, I'll do it. I just don't want the shoulder to be an excuse for the way that we executed."
Carr played well Sunday in a win over the New England Patriots.
Among pro quarterbacks, injuries to the AC joint represent 40-56% of all shoulder injuries, according to a report from the National Library of Medicine. Also, QBs lost an average of 17.3 days to AC joint injuries.
The report added that 88% of AC joint injuries to quarterbacks were treated without surgery.
More: Colts QB Anthony Richardson dealing with sprained AC joint
What is an AC joint?
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is formed by the top of the shoulder (acromion) and the collarbone (clavicle). It is held together by strong ligaments.
How do you treat an injured AC joint?
Depending on the severity of the injury, it can involve rest, application of ice, pain medication and several days of keeping the shoulder in a sling. More severe injuries require surgery
How long does an AC joint take to heal?
Sometimes within one week, but it can take up to six weeks.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Anthony Richardson (shoulder) has an AC joint sprain
