Since being acquired by the Los Angeles Rams in 2019, Jalen Ramsey has lived up to his reputation as one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks, consistently locking down whoever he lines up against on the field.
The 27-year-old enjoyed another terrific season in 2021, recording 77 tackles and tying a career-high with four interceptions en route to his fifth Pro Bowl nod and third All-Pro selection.
While those numbers are impressive, Ramsey was less effective down the stretch as he allowed three touchdowns in his final five games, including two in the playoffs.
There is a good reason for his drop-off in production as Ramsey revealed during a recent appearance on The Pivot Podcast that he played half of the 2021 season with two sprained AC (acromioclavicular) joints:
“This year, I sprained both my AC joints. Crazy. Both of them. So I played half the year, probably 10 games, with two AC joints sprained. Both of them, gone.”
The AC joint is where the shoulder blade (scapula) meets the collarbone (clavicle). Ramsey was essentially playing with two injured shoulders during the Rams’ Super Bowl run, which makes the season he had even more remarkable.
The recommended treatment for a sprained AC joint is rest, so Ramsey should be completely healthy by the start of offseason workout programs in April.
With Ramsey anchoring the secondary, the Rams’ defense will once again be a strong suit as they look to defend their Super Bowl title next season. The unit will also include Aaron Donald, who head coach Sean McVay confirmed is returning, and eight-time Pro Bowler Bobby Wagner, who signed a five-year contract with the team on Thursday.
