Washington Commanders

Jordan Reed played through AC joint separation in huge performance against Cowboys

Published Dec. 9, 2016 1:02 p.m. ET

Brett Smiley

Down 7-0 early in the second quarter, Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed got hit mid-air and landed hard on his left shoulder when trying to reel in a catch in the back of the end zone, then stayed on the ground in obvious pain. The collision caused a separation of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint in his shoulder, which is a pretty painful injury.

The 26-year-old went to the locker room and had his shoulder put in a sling, almost always a sign that a player is done for the day, but Reed wouldn't have that.

"I didn't think he'd come back in, but he came back in and made gigantic plays for us," Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said, via ESPN's John Keim.

After returning for the second half, Reed caught eight passes for 80 yards plus a pair of touchdowns in a wild fourth quarter of the Cowboys 31-26 victory.

"It's pretty severe pain," Reed said. "I noticed it the whole time. I just kind of grinded it out and kept praying. I was able to fight through it."

Heck of an effort by Reed, who should probably avoid Black Friday shopping or any contact to that shoulder once the effects of any pain-reliever wears off.

At least Reed and the rest of the squad has a few extra days to rest and prepare for their next game -- a Dec. 4 trip to the Arizona Cardinals.