Matt Ryan Injury: Latest Updates on Falcons QB's Shoulder

UPDATE: Monday, Jan. 21, at 2:40 p.m. ET by Alex Kay

As previously reported, Matt Ryan sprained the AC joint in his left shoulder, but we now know he would have played in the Super Bowl had the Atlanta Falcons beaten the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship.

According to Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL.com, the signal-caller is not going to participate in the Pro Bowl this coming Sunday, as he will rehabilitate his shoulder (which will not require surgery) in Flowery Branch, Georgia over the next few weeks.

"

Matt Ryan has a sprained right shoulder. Mike Smith says he would have played in New Orleans. But he won't play at the Pro Bowl.

— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) January 21, 2013"

"

Mike Smith says no surgery is required for Matt Ryan. He'll rehab here in Flowery Branch. Sprained AC joint, 3-4 week recovery

— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) January 21, 2013"

---End of update---

Matt Ryan suffered a shoulder sprain in the Atlanta Falcons' 28-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. 

Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting the quarterback will not need surgery.

"

Update on Matt Ryan: Sprained AC joint in left shoulder. No surgery needed. Falcons now waiting to see if he still needs an MRI Monday.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 21, 2013"

The injury occurred on the Falcons' penultimate drive, according to Mike Silver of Yahoo! Sports. 

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Source: Matt ryan separated his left (non-throwing) shoulder on the second down throw during the falcons' second-to-last drive

— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) January 21, 2013"

Ryan grimaced after throws late in the game, and he was seen leaving the locker room with his non-throwing arm in a sling.

Despite the injury, Ryan set a Falcons postseason record with 396 passing yards. He completed 30 of 42 passes against the Niners, and he tossed three touchdowns in the first half alone.

Unfortunately for Ryan and the Falcons, their offense was shut down after the break. Atlanta was unable to score a point on five second-half drives, and they eventually blew a big lead for the second consecutive week.

The Falcons were able to overcome their mistakes in the divisional round, but they were not as lucky against San Francisco. Although they led by as much as 17 points, the Falcons were unable to fend off the 49ers' late rally.

Ryan's season ended in disappointment, but it was a great year for the 27-year-old quarterback. In the regular season, he led the NFL in completion percentage (68.6), and he finished fifth in passing yards (4,719) and touchdowns (32).

He also finally enjoyed some postseason success, winning his first career playoff game against the Seahawks.

If Ryan is fully recovered by next season, the Falcons will be among the favorites in the NFC.