Browns' Montario Hardesty Reportedly Suffers Torn ACL, Will Miss 2010 Season

In Thursday nights preseason win over the Bears, Browns rookie running back Montario Hardesty ran for a one-yard score in his NFL debut, but left the game in the second quarter with an injured left knee. Unfortunately, the news is much worse Friday afternoon: according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Hardesty suffered a torn ACL and is likely done for the year.

Hardesty was Cleveland's second-round pick in this year's draft, and was previously held out of the preseason games as he was sidelined with a bruised right knee.

After the game, Hardesty explained what happened:

"I hurt my knee making a cut," a dejected Hardesty said after Cleveland's 13-10 win. "I really don't know what it is. I can't say it's not frustrating. I want to stay positive, get as much information as possible and return my focus to getting better. I'm hopeful whatever it is, I can get back as soon as possible."

Hardesty spent five years at Tennessee, earning a medical hardship for 2005 because of knee injury. He rushed for 1345 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2009.

For more on Hardesty and his injury, visit our Browns blog, Dawgs By Nature.