New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins had to be carted off the field on Monday during training camp practice after a lower leg injury.
Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com provided this narrative.
Ominous news: #Saints first-round draft pick Sheldon Rankins went down with an injury during goal-line drills & had to be carted off (1/2)
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) August 15, 2016
Selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft (No. 12 overall), Rankins figures to be a key player on the defensive line for the Saints if he is available this year.
He had been impressive already, with perhaps his biggest highlight of camp coming when he intercepted Tom Brady during a joint practice with the New England Patriots.
Even back in May, Rankins had impressed head coach Sean Payton by showing up for offseason work in excellent physical condition.
If Rankins’ injury is a long-term issue, then it will be a heavy blow to a defense that needs as much help as it can get up front.