In an absolute nightmare scenario for all parties involved, DC Defenders running back Abram Smith is out for the season.
Smith reportedly suffered a torn ACL during Wednesday’s training camp practice, Mike Mitchell from Sports Illustrated first reported. The DC Defenders confirmed Smith’s injury status with a move to the injured reserve.
The United Football League has announced the following transactions: pic.twitter.com/sIgBturIE4
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) March 14, 2024
More news trickled out later in the evening, confirming the torn ACL in Smith’s left knee.
More on Smith, it’s a torn ACL in his left knee, sources confirmed.
Smith was placed on the IR earlier this evening, and is set to miss the entire 2024 season. https://t.co/kX44weAOYZ
— Christian Paolantonio (@CPaolantonio_) March 15, 2024
Unfortunately, this is not Smith’s first ACL tear. Or his second. At only 25 years old, this is Abram Smith’s third time tearing his ACL during his football career. Before even taking a carry at Baylor University, Smith first tore his ACL in 2014 in high school, then tore the same ACL in his right knee again in 2017 at Baylor. A miserable series of injuries for the XFL’s leading rusher this past season.
We still await word from Abram Smith or team officials regarding Smith’s injury and recovery process moving forward.
The remainder of DC’s running back room currently includes Cam’Ron Harris, Pooka Williams, and Darius Hagans. Harris and Williams are returning from last season, with Harris having more of an offensive role in significantly less time with the team, as he signed in week 10 and made an immediate impact. Hagans is from Virginia State, where he spent time with HC Reggie Barlow and a few other key DC coaching staff members. All three running backs should expect to make the 50-man roster now, especially considering that DC is not adding a RB immediately after Smith’s untimely injury. It…