One of Peyton Manning's newest targets at tight end will not be available for the upcoming season.
Third-round pick Jeff Heuerman suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during Saturday afternoon's rookie minicamp practice and is expected to miss the 2015 season due to the injury, the team announced.
The injury occurred when the Ohio State rookie was running full speed down the middle of the field. As the No. 92 overall pick made a cut, his knee gave way during the special teams period of practice.
"I feel terrible for Jeff and this is an unfortunate situation," coach Gary Kubiak said. "Jeff was going to be a big part of our team this year, and he's still going to be a big part of our team and organization in the future.
"He'll get well and be with us as part of this team throughout his rehabilitation."
Heuerman, a captain on OSU's national championship team who had just 17 catches and two touchdowns as a senior, was drafted to help Owen Daniels, Virgil Green and company fill the massive hole left by Pro Bowl pass-catcher Julius Thomas in the tight end's room.
Kubiak complimented Heuerman's work ethic Friday, telling reporters "he's got a bright future."
That future's now forced to be on hold until 2016.
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