By Andrew Gruman
FOXSportsWisconsin.com
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Following Minnesota's 24-13 loss to Green Bay on Sunday, defensive end Jared Allen confirmed an earlier report that he has been playing with a partially torn labrum in his shoulder.
First reported by FOXSports.com's Jay Glazer, Allen was told prior to the season that he needed surgery on the shoulder, but it would cause him to miss the entire season. Instead, the star defensive end decided to hold off on potential surgery until the offseason, opting to play through the pain.
"Hats off to our training staff, I've been banged up a lot this year and I haven't had to miss a practice for it," Allen said following Sunday's loss. "It probably happened last season, but it hasn't limited me in anything from practice or anything like that."
Because he hasn't missed a game with the injury, Vikings coach Leslie Frazier refused to comment on Allen's injury.
"I really don't want to discuss his injuries," Frazier said. "Jared's played every game this season. Like most guys, especially this time of year, you are battling something."
Allen said Frazier told him to let him know if the injury bothered him, but he says it hasn't this season, despite a dip in sack numbers. First appearing on Minnesota's injury list prior to the Detroit game on Nov. 11, Allen has been listed as probable every week since with a shoulder injury.
In his ninth season out of Idaho State, Allen recorded 1.5 sacks Sunday against Green Bay, raising his season total to 8.5. In 2011-12, Allen led the NFL with 22 sacks.
When asked if he would have surgery in the offseason, Allen said he dreaded the word and isn't sure if that's the path he will take.
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