ASHBURN, Va., Aug. 18 (UPI) -- The career of defensive tackle Brandon Noble of the Washington Redskins may be over because of a serious injury.
Noble suffered multiple ligament tears and a dislocated kneecap in his left knee in Saturday night's 20-13 preseason loss to New England. The Virginia Beach, Va., native was hurt when two Patriots blockers and teammate end Bruce Smith fell on his left leg in a pileup at the line of scrimmage.
Both the Washington Times and Washington Post have reported that Noble will require at least one year of rehabilitation, and that the injury is career-threatening.
"I'm looking at July of next year," Noble said. "It's going to be a long, long road back, if it is even done. So we'll see. It will be interesting."
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 on Sunday.
The Redskins had signed Noble as a free agent in March to a four-year, $6.53 million contract.
The Redskins still are interested in making a deal with Denver for Lional Dalton, who has fallen out of favor with the Broncos.
