Titans QB Cam Ward shares worrisome injury update after encouraging report

A Monday report suggested that Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward will not need to undergo surgery and is dealing with an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder coming off the club's Week 18 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

While speaking with reporters later in the day, Ward revealed that "there is relief" following early examinations of the shoulder. Ward also hinted that he hasn't yet been promised he won't need to go under the knife at some point during the offseason. 

Cam Ward doesn't know if he'll need surgery?

"I don't know that for sure," Ward explained, per Jim Wyatt of the Titans' website. "If that's the case, we're going to do what I need to do, but I don't think that's the case right now."

Ward noted that he hasn't yet been given a timetable for rehabbing the injury. He added that he has "got a couple of months" before springtime workouts get underway. 

While the Titans finished the season at 3-14, all indications are that the team's to-be-hired head coach will be tasked with helping Ward improve as the club's QB1. According to Pro Football Reference, Ward finished his debut pro campaign ranked 35th in the NFL among qualified players with a 33.1 adjusted QBR, 35th with an 80.2 passer rating and 29th with an average of 186.4 passing yards per game. Over 17 contests, he tallied 15 touchdown passes and seven interceptions.

Meanwhile, the Titans are expected to speak with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski regarding Tennessee's opening. The New York Giants have also been heavily linked with Stefanski. 

Cam Ward shares humorous lesson he learned as a rookie

On Monday, Ward said he now appreciates that "you have to really love the game to play (in the NFL)." Ward also shared a humorous lesson he learned from Week 1 through Week 18. 

"First thing I learned," Ward said, "is get your helmet down on a quarterback sneak, or they'll pop your a--."

Ward also insisted that he knows he'll "have success" and "become a better player next year." Whether or not he will do so while working with Stefanski shall be seen.