Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Charles Sims has been ruled out of action for between 12 and 14 weeks.
The third-round Draft pick has been widely tipped to take the NFL by storm, but will now have to sit out until mid-season having undergone surgery on his right ankle.
Sims's absence potentially opens the door for either Bobby Rainey or Mike James to take his place in the squad.
The new NFL season is due to start in September.