What a way to open training camp: Washington Redskins defensive end Phillip Daniels tore a left knee ligament Sunday during the very first practice and will miss the season.
Daniels, a starter, was hurt on the initial play of 7-on-7 offense vs. defense drills. He stayed down on the turf for several minutes before being taken away on a cart, a towel draped over his head. He’s expected to have surgery Friday.
“Not a good way to start, at all,” middle linebacker London Fletcher said. “It’s a big blow to our defense. Phil was a tremendous leader, excellent at playing the run, and was going to be our third-down attack guy. With him going down, it’s like we’re replacing two guys.”
The Redskins also lost another defensive end, reserve Alex Buzbee, to a season-ending injury during their afternoon practice. Buzbee ruptured his Achilles’ tendon.
“With Phillip gone, and now Buzbee gone, there’s a hole there,” head coach Jim Zorn said. “And Phillip has created a big hole.”
