Football players don’t disclose every minor injury they suffer, often fighting through pain to suit up each and every Sunday. Some don’t even disclose the major injuries that occur in the heat of a game.
Micah Kiser, for example, tore his pectoral muscle off the bone last preseason, causing him to miss the entire regular season after landing on IR. But he didn’t come off the field immediately after the injury happened.
He stayed out there for four more plays because he didn’t want to give up playing time in such a crucial offseason for himself.
Rams LB Micah Kiser says he played 4 more plays AFTER he tore his pectoral muscle off the bone last year in the preseason. He didn’t want to waste the opportunity: “I was ready to go out on my shield.”
He’s in line to start this year after Cory Littleton’s departure.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) August 21, 2020
Going back to the game when the injury occurred, it can be assumed that Kiser got hurt on this tackle against the Cowboys.
After the next play, Kiser could be seen trying to stretch the left side of his upper body, rotating his shoulder. Then on the snap after that, he was in coverage running with his left arm essentially limp before grabbing his chest.
Kiser still remained in the game for the following play before coming off the field on third down.
It’s remarkable toughness displayed by Kiser, who’s in line to replace Cory Littleton as the starting inside linebacker. He was on track to be a starter last season, too, but this injury delayed his emergence for the Rams.
Hopefully he can stay healthy this year and capitalize on the opportunity in front of him because his arrow is pointing up.
[vertical-gallery id=636808]