National Football League

Ryan: Linebacker Powell's knee injury could be season ending

Published Aug. 17, 2015 11:40 a.m. ET

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PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP) Calling it ''terrible news,'' Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan said backup linebacker Ty Powell sustained a potentially season-ending injury to his right knee during a joint practice with the Cleveland Browns on Monday.

Ryan said the initial prognosis is that Powell tore a ligament, which would require surgery followed by a lengthy recuperation process.

Powell was hurt about an hour into practice, when the Bills defense was working on team drills against the Browns offense. Running back Jalen Parmele was carrying the ball up the left side, where Powell got tangled up while preparing to make a tackle.

Powell immediately fell to the ground, where trainers worked on his right leg. He required help to get up, and was unable to put any weight on his right leg while being loaded onto a cart.

Powell was entering his third season in Buffalo, after establishing himself as a dependable backup and key special teams player last season.

Ryan also announced rookie running back Karlos Williams was taken to the hospital before practice to be examined after being in pain when he woke up. Without saying what was hurting, Ryan said the pain could be tied to something Williams hurt while weightlifting a day earlier.

Receivers Chris Hogan and Marquise Goodwin were escorted off the field during practice for precautionary reasons after both experienced heat-related issues.

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