Matthew Grinstead-Mayle became the latest castaway eliminated from Survivor season 44 when he withdrew from the competition due to an injury that was worse than it seemed. Matthew is a barbershop owner and dad from Columbus, Ohio, as well as a diehard Survivor fan. He started Survivor season 44 as a member of the Ratu tribe, where he quickly became a central figure in the tribe's strategy. Matthew made an innovative move at the first Tribal Council when he played his Shot in the Dark in order to obscure his allegiances from his tribemates.Unfortunately, Matthew's time on Survivor season 44 was cut short due to a decision he made on the second day of the game. While exploring the island, he climbed a rock face in the ocean, lost his footing, and tumbled down onto the rocks below. In addition to cuts and bruises, Matthew also dislocated his shoulder, which hindered his ability to perform in challenges and ultimately led to him leaving the game to treat the injury. However, the extent of Matthew's injuries went beyond what was depicted.Related: Survivor 44: Matthew Grinstead-Mayle May Secretly Already Be Doomed

Survivor's Matthew Grinstead-Mayle Suffered A Major Shoulder Injury

In an exit interview with Rob Has a Podcast, Matthew revealed that his shoulder injury was far worse than it seemed on the show. Rather than a simple dislocation as it was described on the episodes, Matthew actually fractured his humerus and scapula, and tore his rotator cuff and shoulder labrum. After returning home from the game, he had numerous surgeries to repair the damage, which included reattaching several muscles and removing a piece of his humerus bone that broke from the impact. Following his surgeries, he underwent months of extensive physical therapy to regain the functionality of his shoulder.

Survivor 44's Matthew Deserves A Second Chance At The Game

Matthew Grinstead-Mayle Survivor 44

Matthew's departure is technically considered a quit. The show's medical team ultimately gave him the choice to stay in the game or not, as his injury, though extremely painful, wasn't life-threatening. However, the extent of Matthew's injuries made it clear that his pain was so intense, that staying in the game for two more weeks was practically an impossibility. Matthew wasn't a quitter, and instead made the only reasonable choice he could, which was to step away from the game to seek treatment for a devastating injury.

Matthew deserves a second chance, not only because of the unpleasant circumstances of his departure, but also because he showed incredible promise as a player. In addition to his crafty Shot in the Dark play, he also made major strategic inroads on the season, held a Hidden Immunity Idol that nobody knew about, and managed to dupe Jaime Lynn Ruiz with a fake idol he created. Before Matthew's injury, he was set up to be a competitive force on the season, and could've even gone on to win the game. His Survivor 44 performance showcased that he's a strong social and strategic player and could make waves on a return trip to Fiji.

Survivor airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EST on CBS.

Source: Rob Has A Podcast