Mississippi State’s Blake Shapen Breaks Silence on Shoulder Injury originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

When Blake Shapen hit the turf in The Swamp last September, Mississippi State fans held their breath. What they didn’t know was that the injury would sideline their starting quarterback for the rest of the season, and forever change the way he prepares for the game.

The former Baylor transfer revealed this week what had remained behind the curtain for months: a fractured scapula in his right throwing shoulder, suffered during MSU’s 45-28 loss to Florida in Week 4. It was a blow that didn’t just end his season, it challenged his identity.

“Before, I never did rehab for my arm,” Shapen said at the Manning Passing Academy on June 27. “I wouldn’t do a ton of shoulder care and things like that. Now, I’m staying on pace with that.”

The Bulldogs finished 2-10 without Shapen, their worst season since 2002. Shapen’s absence loomed large, not just in the box score, but in leadership and stability at the position. For a player who had never missed more than a game, the road back was as mental as it was physical.

“I think it starts there, but it also starts with the film watch, understanding when to get down,” Shapen said. “I’m very competitive, so I want to make the best play I can… but understanding when I need to just take my losses and get down.”

Now a full participant in spring practice and penciled in as MSU’s QB1 for the 2025 season, Shapen is leaning into recovery, and smarter decision-making. With a beefed up rehab routine and renewed sense of self-awareness, the redshirt senior is determined to lead the Bulldogs back from rock bottom.

“It’s been hard,” Shapen admitted. “But it’s also built me into who I am.”

For Mississippi State fans, that’s a comeback worth watching.

Related: Mississippi State Baseball Reloads with Transfer Portal Power

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.