Former University of Utah wide receiver Cliff Russell, fastest football player in school history, suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate knee ligament injury at the NFL Washington Redskins' training camp at Dickinson College Thursday.
The Redskins' official Web site lists the injury as a third-degree sprain, but the Washington Post said an MRI later revealed a complete tear. Either way, Russell is expected to have surgery to correct the problem in his right knee and will miss his first professional season. He was drafted in the third round in April, the 87th pick overall.
On the Washington Web site, coach Steve Spurrier said, "At this point, he can still come to meetings and lift weights. Hopefully, he won't lose any speed and he'll be ready to go next year. That's the only positive way to look at it right now."
The injury happened when Russell was running a pass route, with the ball thrown to another receiver. As he planted his right foot, he fell to the ground.