Jacksonville Jaguars’ Dante Fowler Jr. tears ACL in first practice
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected linebacker
Dante Fowler Jr. was the third player selected in the NFL draft, but he's the first to go down with injury.
The Jaguars linebacker tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee just an hour into the start of his first rookie practice Friday with Jacksonville. He is expected to miss the entire 2015 season.
During 11-on-11 drills, Fowler began to pressure the quarterback when he went over the top of his planted left foot while battling with undrafted rookie Watts Dantzler out of Georgia.
Fowler's reaction to the injury was immediate and he needed to be helped off the field by two trainers and later carted to the practice facility.
In three seasons at Florida, Fowler recorded 140 tackles and 14.5 sacks -- 8.5 last season alone -- in addition to five forced fumbles.
The Jaguars also drafted Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon (36th overall), South Carolina offensive guard A.J. Cann (67), Louisville safety James Sample (104), Florida State wide receiver Rashad Greene, Ohio State defensive tackle Michael Bennett (139), Monmouth wide receiver Neal Sterling (220) and Notre Dame tight end Ben Koyack.
Follow Matt Wilhalme on Twitter @mattwilhalme
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