Ohio State football quarterback C.J. Stroud suffered AC joint separation in season opener at Minnesota

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud suffered an AC joint separation in his right throwing shoulder during the Buckeyes’ season opener at Minnesota on Sept. 2.

In an interview on the Big Ten Network on Thursday afternoon, Stroud shed light on the injury, which limited him in subsequent games against Oregon and Tulsa and prompted him to sit out against Akron on Sept. 25.

The Buckeyes, who are usually tight-lipped on players’ injuries, had not revealed specifics related to his shoulder issue.

Stroud told BTN’s Dave Revsine that he injured his shoulder after absorbing a hit against the Golden Gophers.

“That one wasn’t fun,” he said. “It was kind of painful. That week of rest really helped me."

He said his shoulder was previously hurt in preseason training camp when he stressed a rotator cuff.

No procedure will be required for his separated AC joint.

“Thank God it doesn’t need surgery,” Stroud said. “It’ll heal on its own.”

The redshirt freshman added that he’s now close to 100% and has felt improvement in recent weeks while working out under the supervision of strength and conditioning coach Mickey Marotti.

“Coach Mick does a good job in the weight room with me,” Stroud said. “He definitely helps me get it back stronger. It’s just one of those things that takes time. I’m definitely feeling a lot better.”

Over four games since his return, Stroud has completed 84 of 118 passes (71.2%) for 1,307 yards and 15 touchdowns without throwing a pick.

Prior to resting, he had been 63-of-101 passing (62.4%) for 963 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions.

Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Contact him at jkaufman@dispatch.com or on Twitter @joeyrkaufman.