Quote:Lacerated kidneys or other organs are common complications from rib fractures. Most likely the rib fracture he had earlier this year had not entire set/healed and became "displaced." If anything, that may be part of why he sat out two weeks, because it was displaced, whereas some players play through rib fractures. Now it could be totally separate from the rib, but they often occur in sequence.


Now lacerated kidneys can be life threatening injuries. The kidneys are the sewage treatment plant of the body, so they have high blood flow. If the laceration is bad, you can bleed out in hours. The fact that he lasted nearly 24 hours before most of his symptoms presented, and they were "subtle" as the team is stating, likely indicates that this it was small, somewhat contained, and/or was starting to clot on it's own.


(Allen's was diagnosed fairly quickly after the game, so it was likely a higher grade laceration.)


With a small laceration, you have to make sure it does not get worse mainly. It should heal fairly quickly and there is low risk of short-term or long-term kidney dysfunction. Management is pretty conservative. If it is also due to the rib fracture, they are likely not taking any more chances with it, and want it fully heal.


The Ab muscle injury and his conditioning are actually much more important Football wise. Depending on what ab muscle and how bad the tear is, that could be significant pain and strength with breathing, running, twisting, and throwing. While he will not be cleared to practice til they are certain for the kidney, the abdominal muscle will like be the bigger issue when it comes to returning to play and his effectiveness on the field. Even when he gets back, it may sap some of his ability to scramble and follow through/step through on his throws.