The Facts: At first, Siemian downplayed it as "optional surgery." His left shoulder, injured in a week 4 win at Tampa Bay during the 2016 season, was still giving him trouble as he tried to lift weights in late-December. But then his orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, discovered more damage than originally thought while executing the procedure on Jan. 5 in Los Angeles.
Diehards Line:According to 9News.com's Mike Klis, instead of a grade 3 separation in the AC joint of Siemian’s non-throwing shoulder, Dr. ElAttrache saw ligaments torn in the areas where the clavicle, scapula and AC joint connect. A more severe grade 5 separation was diagnosed. This was not “optional” surgery. The operation was required. When the surgery was finished, a four to six-month recovery period was given. Siemian will be limited when the Broncos begin their offseason conditioning program in April. But the more important organized team activities (OTAs) – when the offense is allowed to line up against the defense and run live plays -- don’t begin until late-May. That’s close to five months post-Siemian’s surgery. There is no contact during OTAS, at least not during plays involving the so called “skilled positions. ...’’ Meanwhile, as it stands now, Siemian and Paxton Lynch, the Broncos’ first-round draft pick last year, will compete for the starting quarterback job this offseason. Siemian says he will be ready to fully compete. We'll see if anybody -- like Tony Romo -- winds up joining that competition.