ASHBURN, Va., Aug. 17 (UPI) -- The Washington Redskins have lost defensive tackle Brandon Noble because of multiple ligament tears in his left knee.
The severity of the injury was determined after an MRI on Sunday. Noble was injured in Saturday night's 20-13 preseason loss to New England. The Virginia Beach, Va., native was hurt when two Patriots blockers and Redskins defensive end Bruce Smith fell on Noble's left leg in a pileup at the line of scrimmage.
According to the Washington Post, the injury, which will require at least one year of rehabilitation, is career-threatening.
"It's something you have to think about," he told the paper. "If I don't come back, then I made it a lot further than anyone thought I would."
Noble had been a possible starter this season after the team released Dan Wilkinson two days into training camp in the wake of a salary dispute. Ironically, Wilkinson signed with the Detroit Lions Sunday.
The Redskins had signed Noble as a free agent in March to a four-year, $6.53 million contract.
