WASHINGTON: Redskins tight end Niles Paul has been ruled out for the season after fracturing his ankle during Washington’s preseason opener.
Paul, Washington’s projected starter, suffered the injury while blocking on a run play early in the game, going to the ground and twisting his left foot awkwardly as he fell.
It was first reported Paul dislocated his ankle and would undergo an MRI, a report on si.com said.
Redskins head coach Jay Gruden announced after the game that Paul would miss the season, calling it a “huge loss” for the team.
He said Paul fractured and dislocated his ankle on the play, according to Brian McNally of 106.7 radio.
Redskins tight ends Jordan Reed (hamstring) and Logan Paulsen (toe) sat out the game with injuries. Gruden added that Paulsen may miss the season as well after suffering a serious toe injury that may need surgery earlier in the week.
Washington may be without reserve running back Silas Redd this season as well after suffering what Gruden called a potential torn ACL and MCL.
Paul, 26, had been impressive in camp and caught 39 passes for 507 yards and a touchdown last season.
Meanwhile, Jacksonville Jaguars’ tight end Julius Thomas is expected to miss the remainder of the pre-season after fracturing his left hand against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday.
Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley confirmed the diagnosis of a “stable fracture” in Thomas’s left hand after Jacksonville’s 23–21 win in the preseason opener at Everbank Field.
Thomas, entering his first year with the team after signing a five-year, $46m deal with the Jaguars in March, is expected to return for Week 1 of the regular season. Jacksonville opens its schedule at home against the Carolina Panthers on September 13.
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