High-Profile Quarterbacks Undergo Shoulder Surgery
This week, two prominent starting quarterbacks in the NFL, Jimmy Garoppolo from the San Francisco 49ers and Dak Prescott from the Dallas Cowboys, underwent shoulder surgery. However, the focus is primarily on Jimmy G’s injury, as he will not be able to throw any balls during the offseason for at least 16 weeks while his shoulder heals.
Jimmy G’s Injury Takes Center Stage
Jimmy Garoppolo sustained a shoulder injury during the playoffs when the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card game. Although his ailing right thumb received significant attention, the shoulder injury went unnoticed until now. He underwent painkiller injections to cope with intense pain, allowing him to grip and throw the ball. However, the injury worsened during the game against the Cowboys.
In the postseason, Jimmy G’s performance was hampered by the shoulder injury. He completed just 58.1% of his passes for 535 yards and two touchdowns in three playoff games, throwing three interceptions. In the upset victory against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Round, he managed only 131 passing yards with no touchdowns.
After evaluation, medical professionals diagnosed Jimmy G’s shoulder injury as a capsule injury, ultimately requiring surgery. According to San Francisco general manager John Lynch, rehab was initially considered, but surgery became the preferred route due to the lack of improvement. The surgery will force Jimmy G to refrain from using his shoulder for over four months, meaning he won’t be able to handle a football until July.
Potential Trade Rumors Surrounding Jimmy G
Despite the injury, teams are still interested in acquiring Jimmy Garoppolo from the San Francisco 49ers. He is set to earn $24.2 million this season, but with the 49ers trading up for Trey Lance in the 2021 NFL Draft, parting ways with Jimmy G in a trade makes sense from a business perspective.
Throughout the season, the Washington Commanders have been linked as a potential landing spot for Jimmy G. However, several other teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers, are also in need of a new quarterback.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers must find a replacement for the retired Tom Brady, and while Bruce Arians favors Russell Wilson or Deshaun Watson, Jimmy G could be an option if the Seattle Seahawks decide against trading Wilson and if Watson joins the Miami Dolphins instead.
The Carolina Panthers are desperate for a quarterback and have little faith in Sam Darnold, expressed interest in Kirk Cousins from the Minnesota Vikings. The Indianapolis Colts are looking to move on from Carson Wentz and believe that acquiring a top-tier quarterback could propel them into legitimate Super Bowl contention. Lastly, the Pittsburgh Steelers must find a replacement for the retired Ben Roethlisberger and have been linked to Wilson.
Conclusion
The recent shoulder surgeries for Jimmy Garoppolo and Dak Prescott have grabbed headlines in the NFL. While Jimmy G’s injury takes center stage due to the significant impact on his offseason training, both quarterbacks will face challenges in their recovery and subsequent return to the field. As the trade rumors swirl around Jimmy Garoppolo, a host of teams are eagerly seeking a new quarterback to bolster their chances of success. Only time will tell which team will secure his services and how his rehabilitation progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will Jimmy Garoppolo’s shoulder injury affect his trade value?
While Jimmy G’s shoulder injury is a concern, several teams are still interested in acquiring him despite his recovery timeline. Trade negotiations will ultimately determine his value, taking into consideration his prior success and potential impact on a new team.
2. How long will it take for Jimmy Garoppolo to make a full recovery?
Jimmy Garoppolo’s recovery is expected to take over four months after his shoulder surgery. With dedicated rehabilitation and proper care, he should be able to regain full strength and mobility in his shoulder.
3. Which teams are most likely to trade for Jimmy Garoppolo?
While the Washington Commanders have been frequently mentioned as a potential destination for Jimmy G, other teams such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers are also in the mix. Ultimately, it will depend on each team’s specific needs and negotiations with the San Francisco 49ers.
4. How will Dak Prescott’s shoulder surgery impact the Dallas Cowboys?
Dak Prescott’s shoulder surgery is focused on his non-throwing shoulder, which may provide some relief to Cowboys fans. Although his recovery timeline is unclear, the surgery aims to address a lingering injury that potentially affected his performance in the latter part of the previous season.
5. Are there any concerns about Dak Prescott’s long-term health?
While Dak Prescott’s shoulder injury is a cause for concern, the fact that it is his non-throwing shoulder alleviates some worries. With proper rehabilitation and ongoing medical care, he should be able to regain his full range of motion and continue his career without significant long-term impact.
