The Toronto Raptors' inflatable mascot tore its Achilles

You know the Toronto Raptors' inflatable mascot. It is the subject of the greatest GIF in the history of GIFs as voted by you, the people:

Well, there is a person inside that dino-balloon (Sorry, I should have suggested you sit down before telling you this, but it's true and it's time you know this) and that person suffered a pretty bad injury:

Crushing blow! #Raptors say The Chicken blew out Achilles, done for year. Best mascot in NBA. Team has plans for successor by opening night.

— Doug Smith: Raptors (@SmithRaps) October 9, 2013

.@the_raptor blew out his achilles during a school visit in Halifax on Saturday.

— Eric Koreen (@ekoreen) October 9, 2013

(So, not a rollerblading accident). It sounds like there will be AN inflatable raptor, just not THE inflatable raptor this season. Best of luck to the Raptor in his recovery. Our resident GIFologist sends his regards:

.@the_raptor get well soon, pal. you're our GIF champion, forever and ever. pic.twitter.com/qmj5Kq6u8z

— Jon Bois (@jon_bois) October 9, 2013