Bills rookie LB Reggie Ragland expected to miss 2016 season with torn ACL
The Buffalo Bills have been dealt a significant blow on defense just a few weeks into training camp. Rookie linebacker Reggie Ragland, a second-round pick, suffered a torn ACL in practice last week that will require surgery.
The Bills announced Wednesday that Ragland is expected to miss the entire season.
LB Reggie Ragland has suffered a torn ACL and is expected to miss the season.
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) August 10, 2016
Details: https://t.co/bB3kSwU6D8 pic.twitter.com/F4BXq6GTfb
Rex Ryan said Friday after the injury occurred that he was "very concerned," given that it was of the non-contact nature. Ragland was expected to start at inside linebacker this season and have a huge impact on a defense that struggled mightily in 2015.
As a senior at Alabama last season, Ragland recorded 102 total tackles, 2 1/2 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Now, the Bills will go with a combination of the recently signed Brandon Spikes and David Hawthorne to replace Ragland, as well as Zach Brown. Buffalo already is without first-round pick Shaq Lawson at linebacker due to shoulder surgery. His timetable to return remains unclear.
