The Atlanta Falcons have announced that Sean Weatherspoon will miss the 2014 NFL season after tearing his Achilles.

The linebacker was taking part in a workout during organised team activities yesterday when he suffered the injury.

Head coach Mike Smith told the team's website: "During Sean's run today with our medical staff, he suffered an injury. We sent Sean to the doctor for some additional testing and evaluation and unfortunately the results showed that he ruptured his Achilles tendon.

"Sean had been working extremely hard to get back on the field, but regrettably he will miss the entire 2014 season. He will have a procedure done in the near future and we expect him to make a full recovery."

Weatherspoon had been working to be ready for the start of the season after missing the end of the 2013 campaign with a knee problem.