Plaxico Burress has season-ending surgery

Aug 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress (80) walks on the sidelines against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress had shoulder surgery on Monday following a possible rotator cuff tear. Unfortunately for Burress and the team, it is season-ending surgery.

The injury occurred on Thursday during a team practice when Burress fell on his right arm the wrong way after diving for a catch. He was headed into a season where he was trying to battle for a starting spot behind main receivers Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders. The third spot was heavily contested, as Burress had to beat out Jerricho Cotchery, David Gilreath, as well as Steelers rookies Justin Brown and Markus Wheaton. Burress’ injury will make the battle a little easier for the four remaining from that list.

Plaxico Burress has played 11 seasons in the NFL, all with the Steelers, Giants, and Jets. There was also news surrounding this rotator cuff injury that it could very well be career-threatening. Only time will tell how much further Burress feels he can play in the league and if he can recover at a rate that would make him keep playing in the NFL.

And here’s a little fun fact for you: not only was today Plaxico’s surgery day, but it was also his 36th birthday. This was definitely not the kind of present Burress was hoping for.