Cam Ward Shoulder AC Joint Sprain: Questionable Tag as OTM Tracks Recovery Arc

Cam Ward is carrying a right shoulder AC joint sprain — his throwing shoulder — and is listed as Questionable. For a QB, any throwing-shoulder injury demands conservative framing regardless of initial severity designation; functional demands at the position are exquisitely sensitive to sub-clinical pain and instability.

Classification: LIG / Grade 1–2 (INFERRED from "Questionable" designation and absence of confirmed structural tear or surgical language) / UE — Right AC joint sprain. Evidence Tier: T2 — Moderate Confidence. Grade is INFERRED from reporting language; not confirmed by imaging or clinical examination.

AC joint sprains are graded 1–3 by degree of acromioclavicular ligament disruption. Grade 1 (ligament intact, micro-damage only) typically resolves in 1–3 weeks. Grade 2 (partial disruption) runs 3–6 weeks. A Questionable tag without IR placement or structural tear language is most consistent with Grade 1–2. Tracking toward the earlier end of that window is possible, but for a QB's throwing arm, the standard conservative caution applies — functional clearance for throwing mechanics is the binding constraint, not mere pain tolerance. Watch for practice trajectory (LP→FP arc) as the primary upgrade signal.

Updated on 2026-05-31: team corrected from "Miami Hurricanes" to "Titans" (legacy fact sweep, roster lookup player_id=f9121c3a-0b0e-4983-b7b6-91736bf0581d)