On Oct. 22, four plays into the second quarter, McNown found himself trying to evade the Eagles' defense at Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium. But before he could slip out of bounds, Eagle linebacker Mike Caldwell brought him down hard, slamming him to the fake turf, which is notoriously unforgiving. McNown landed on his throwing shoulder, with the tackler's weight on him. In a healthy shoulder, ligaments hold the collarbone and shoulder blade together the way bungee cords hold luggage to the top of a station wagon. Those connectors can tear, however, especially when the shoulder takes a direct hit.
Ligament damage allows the collarbone to come bulging off, or separating, from the shoulder.
This injury should not be confused with a dislocated shoulder, where the top of the upper arm pops out of its socket. In most instances, rest and wearing an arm sling is enough to allow the injury to heal. Soon after the injury happens, ice is often used to control swelling and ease pain. Patients then undergo exercises to regain the motion in their shoulder. In severe cases, surgery is needed to repair the damaged ligaments to put the joint back together again.