Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback Jameis Winston Diagnosed With AC Joint Sprain, Could Miss Game Against the Bills

By Noriel See, Christian Post Contributor Thursday, October 19, 2017

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston hasn't missed a game yet in his three seasons in the National Football League (NFL), and he clearly doesn't want to miss one because of an acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprain in his right shoulder.

"I've come out of a game before, but I don't think I've ever missed a game [on any level]. I don't think I'm going to miss a game, either," Winston said, via ESPN.

The third-year pro injured his throwing shoulder in the second quarter of their 38–33 loss to the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday. Fortunately, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam revealed that there was no structural damage.

Winston wants to suit up for the Buccaneers when they take on the Buffalo Bills this Sunday. However, fans shouldn't be surprised to see him sit out the game to avoid the risk of further injury.

"The way I understand it, he will be cleared medically to play. I know Jameis can handle a lot of pain. I think it will be does Jameis feel like he can play at the level he needs to play at. The No. 1 thing in all of this is that Jameis' long-term health has to be the No. 1 thing," Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter said, via the Tampa Bay Times.

After seeing the Green Bay Packers lose Aaron Rodgers for the rest of the season, the Buccaneers probably don't want to take any unnecessary risks with Winston. Yes, he can play through the pain, but a lot of observers have already pointed out that he shouldn't be on the field with a compromised shoulder.

Winston's not expected to throw much in practice this week, but he still hasn't been ruled out of this Sunday's game against the Bills.

Ryan Fitzpatrick should get the start if Winston is unavailable for the game.