Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley Jr. has a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder, multiple sources told ESPN, but the injury is not expected to prevent him from playing in next week's preseason game against the Miami Dolphins in Orlando.
Beasley sat out Thursday night's 24-13 preseason win over the Cleveland Browns as the sprain occurred in practice leading up to the game.
Beasley played last season with a torn labrum in the same shoulder.
"This had nothing to do with that,'' Falcons coach Dan Quinn said of Beasley's sprain. "Just took a shot on it in practice.''
Quinn added that Beasley wanted to play against the Browns, but it was in the best interest not to push through it when he didn't have to.
The acromioclavicular joint, or AC joint, is located where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the top of the shoulder blade (scapula). The AC joint is comprised of three ligaments. A player can play through the pain of a minor sprain with an injection of Novocaine.
Beasley, the eighth overall pick in the 2015 draft, is expected to be a major contributor to the pass rush coming off a four-sack rookie season. He is transitioning from defensive end to strong-side linebacker, although Beasley will remain in a rush end role during nickel situations.