The Sports Xchange

For the second time in two days, a rookie suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in practice that will end his 2015 season before it even gets started.

Tight end Jeff Heuerman, selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos a week ago, went down during Saturday afternoon’s rookie minicamp practice while running downfield during a special teams drill.

On Friday, the Jacksonville Jaguars lost No. 3 overall pick Dante Fowler Jr. when the rookie defensive end suffered the same injury.

The Broncos said Heuerman, who was carted off the field, is likely to miss the 2015 season.

Heuerman was expected to compete for playing time this year after the Broncos lost tight end Julius Thomas to the Jaguars in free agency.

“I feel terrible for Jeff and this is an unfortunate situation,” first-year Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said. “Jeff was going to be a big part of our team this year, and he’s still going to be a big part of our team and organization in the future.

“He’ll get well and be with us as part of this team throughout his rehabilitation.”

Heuerman was a starter on Ohio State’s College Football Playoff national championship team last season.