Cleveland Browns rookie running back Montario Hardesty has a torn anterior cruciate ligament, sustained on a 2-yard carry in the second quarter Thursday night against the Chicago Bears, a league source confirmed to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Friday.
Hardesty, the Browns' second-round pick in the 2010 NFL draft, will miss the entire regular season after an MRI on Friday revealed the extent of the injury to his left knee, according to the source. The Browns' preseason finale was Hardesty's debut after he suffered a bone bruise in his right knee at the start of training camp.
On Thursday, Hardesty stayed on the ground for several minutes before walking to the sideline. The team's medical staff examined him on a trainer's table before taking him to the locker room.
"I hurt my knee making a cut," a dejected Hardesty said after Cleveland's 13-10 win. "I really don't know what it is. I can't say it's not frustrating. I want to stay positive, get as much information as possible and return my focus to getting better. I'm hopeful whatever it is, I can get back as soon as possible."
Hardesty said it felt nothing like any of his previous injuries.
Hardesty ran seven times for 25 yards and a 1-yard touchdown before leaving. He showed nice power on several inside runs, and powered his way into the end zone to tie it 7-7 in the first quarter.
The Browns were counting on Hardesty to have an impact in his first season. The team traded three draft picks to move up and take him in the second round. He ran for 1,345 yards last season at Tennessee, but his college career was slowed by knee injuries.
He had a major operation on his right knee in 2005.
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Sucks for him. I actually had him as a sleeper to win OROY.
Hardesty, the Browns' second-round pick in the 2010 NFL draft, will miss the entire regular season after an MRI on Friday revealed the extent of the injury to his left knee, according to the source. The Browns' preseason finale was Hardesty's debut after he suffered a bone bruise in his right knee at the start of training camp.
On Thursday, Hardesty stayed on the ground for several minutes before walking to the sideline. The team's medical staff examined him on a trainer's table before taking him to the locker room.
"I hurt my knee making a cut," a dejected Hardesty said after Cleveland's 13-10 win. "I really don't know what it is. I can't say it's not frustrating. I want to stay positive, get as much information as possible and return my focus to getting better. I'm hopeful whatever it is, I can get back as soon as possible."
Hardesty said it felt nothing like any of his previous injuries.
Hardesty ran seven times for 25 yards and a 1-yard touchdown before leaving. He showed nice power on several inside runs, and powered his way into the end zone to tie it 7-7 in the first quarter.
The Browns were counting on Hardesty to have an impact in his first season. The team traded three draft picks to move up and take him in the second round. He ran for 1,345 yards last season at Tennessee, but his college career was slowed by knee injuries.
He had a major operation on his right knee in 2005.
---------------------
Sucks for him. I actually had him as a sleeper to win OROY.
