MADISON — Wisconsin Badgers left tackle Ryan Ramczyk met with reporters on Wednesday, days after the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported he would need arthroscopic surgery for a torn labrum in his hip after their Jan. 2 matchup against the Western Michigan Broncos in the Cotton Bowl.
Ramczyk confirmed an injury, stating it was a “hip impingement.”
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a hip or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) “is a condition in which extra bone grows along one or both of the bones that form the hip joint—giving the bones an irregular shape. Because they do not fit together perfectly, the bones rub against each other during movement. Over time this friction can damage the joint, causing pain and limiting activity.”
Ramczyk admitted that the injury occurred toward the beginning of the season, but it hasn’t kept the consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection from practicing or playing.
“I’ve been healthy enough to play all season,” Ramczyk said when asked if it has hindered him in any way. “It’s just kind of a thing that’s annoying, so we’ll see what I got to do after the season.”
The report by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Bob McGinn on Saturday stated ithe surgery would be proceeded by a four-month recovery time. The procedure would impact Ramczyk’s ability to train for and compete in the NFL Scouting Combine, Wisconsin’s pro day in the spring and possible workouts with interested teams.
“There’s a lot of information that needs to be gathered yet,” Ramczyk said. “I got to do that and see what’s the pros, what’s the cons, and weigh all that and see what the surgery, if I have to have it, and see what that’s about—how long I would be out.”
But could it impact his decision to come back to Wisconsin for his final year of eligibility?
“I think it obviously would have to be a factor, yeah,” Ramczyk said.
Ramczyk’s ascension to All-Big Ten and All-American accolades has been impressive. Coming from Division III UW-Stevens Point after initially committing to and then leaving Winona State, the 6’6, 314-pound tackle transferred to Wisconsin last year and redshirted due to NCAA regulations.
This season, the Stevens Point native was selected as a first-team All-American by Pro Football Focus, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News and USA Today. He also received a Walter Camp second-team All-American nod.
Pro Football Focus had Ramczyk going to the San Diego Chargers at No. 10 overall pick in its mock draft recently. ESPN’s Todd McShay projected him at No. 14 in the first round as well.
“If you go online, you can see what it is,” Ramczyk said when asked if he has received any further feedback and if he has any better idea what others’ think of his abilities. “I don’t know, I’m still collecting information.”
Ramczyk laughed and admitted he doesn’t look for himself purposely, but noted he’ll see people link his name on social media.
“Someone’ll tag me on [Facebook], but I don’t go searching myself online.”