Workers Comp Case for Utah...?

My brother in law is 22 and about 10 months ago while working at Target lifted a case of water to scan it and tore a few muscles and tendons in his right shoulder. Because he couldn't work after that (even though target claimed he was still able to work) he had no income and has now moved to California with me and his brother and our 1 1/2 y/o son. Its been 8 months that hes been living with us and its getting frustrating having him live here rent free. He has a lawyer working the case but nothing is happening, hes gone to Dr's they said he needs surgery but for the past few months its been "Oh your going to be having surgery with in 30 days"...its been 60 days....my question is i feel hes capable of getting a desk job, some kinda job that obviously he wont have to lift anything, if he gets some kind of desk job will that hurt his workers comp stuff???