“Looking back at the play in Kansas City, I feel like (the shoulder) would’ve come out if my arm was completely fine,” Saffold said. “So going on from that, it’s been just keep working and then handle it at the end of the season. I still have a chance to play 16 (games) this year.”

Which is very important to him. Saffold has managed the shoulder issue while continuing to play. He says he’s found a way to use it with confidence, even when punching out at opponents.

After starting at left tackle, right tackle and right guard in 2013, Saffold has settled in at guard this season. Well, kind of. After starting the first four games at left guard, he switched over to right guard for three games once rookie Greg Robinson was ready to play.

When Jake Long suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Kansas City game, Saffold was moved back to left guard. Saffold had played tackle all of his professional and college career until switching to guard last season, so he’s still in a bit of a transitional stage.

“Switching (sides) in the middle there for a little bit was kinda rough,” Saffold said. “But I feel like I’ve got some comfort. ... I can see some more things that I haven’t been able to see (before at guard).”