Broncos draft pick TE Jeff Heuerman tears ACL, expected to miss season

Denver Broncos third-round draft pick, tight end Jeff Heuerman is expected to miss the 2015 season after tearing the ACL in his left knee during Saturday's rookie minicamp.

Denver Broncos third-round draft pick, tight end Jeff Heuerman is expected to miss the 2015 season after tearing the ACL in his left knee during Saturday's rookie minicamp.

The Broncos confirmed the injury and prognosis, adding the injury happend during the special teams portion of the afternoon process. The team said Heuerman was running full-speed down the middle of the field when, after making a chit, his knee gave way. Heuerman, a former Ohio State tight end, was carted off the field.

"I feel terrible for Jeff and this is a very unfortunate situation," Broncos head 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."

• Jaguars first-round pick Dante Fowler Jr. tore ACL, out for season

Heuerman played four seasons at Ohio State, where he was voted a co-captain as a senior and named a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2014. Last season for the national champion Buckeyes, caught 17 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns. Over his four seasons at OSU, he caught 52 passes for 792 yards and seven touchdowns in 50 games.

At tight end, the Broncos have a veteran group including Virgil Green, Owen Daniels and James Casey.

- Mike Fiammetta