The Washington Redskins were hit with a huge blow Thursday in their first preseason game as tight end Niles Paul, who was set to be a starter next season, went down with a dislocated ankle.
Redskins coach Jay Gruden said that Paul's injury will require him to sit out the entire 2015 season.
According to Yahoo Sports, Paul was trying to block on a run play when Cleveland Browns linebacker Craig Robertson, who was attempting to tackle, rolled on his left leg.
Paul stayed down on the field and was attended by a medical team who immediately placed an air cast on his left leg before he was carted off the field.
"A huge loss for us. He's a great player and a great leader," Gruden said according to NFL.com.
Paul expressed his dismay regarding his injury through Twitter Friday morning and tweeted, "This one is a tough pill to swallow. Finally got the opportunity I always wanted since I entered this league. Took me 4 years to get there."
In another tweet the 26-year-old athlete said, "Life can be cruel sometimes. Thank you for all your well wishes & prayers. They are very much appreciated."
Paul's teammate and close friend fullback Darrel Young told the Washington Post that Paul became emotional after going down, saying that it was supposed to be his year this 2015 season.
The 2011 fifth-round pick by Washington from Nebraska had a breakout season in 2014 playing in 16 regular season games, having 39 receptions for 507 yards and one touchdown.
It was far from his performance during the 2013 season where he only had four receptions for 51 yards and no touchdowns in 15 games played.
The Redskins now have issues at the tight end position following the injury to Paul, as Je'Ron Hamm sustained a thigh injury Thursday which forced him to leave the game and backups Jordan Reed (hamstring) and Logan Paulsen (toe) are also nursing injuries, ESPN reported.
Another player who suffered an injury Thursday was running back Silas Redd who tore his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments according to NFL.com and will also miss the entire 2015 season.
