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Florham Park, N.J. • New York Jets fullback Lex Hilliard was placed on season-ending injured reserve Wednesday, a day after seriously injuring his shoulder at practice.
The team didn't announce the nature or severity of the injury, but a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that Hilliard has a broken shoulder blade that requires surgery. Hilliard is expected to have surgery to repair the shoulder next week.
Hilliard went down in a heap after a running play Tuesday, writhing in pain as trainers rushed over to him. He stayed down for several minutes, kicking his legs as he was being checked on. Hilliard was eventually able to walk off the field with the help of trainers — appearing to favor his right shoulder — before being carted to the locker room.
Pro Football Talk first reported Wednesday morning that Hilliard would need season-ending surgery.
Hilliard played in 12 games for the Jets last season after beginning the year with the Patriots. He missed New York's first two preseason games this summer with a rib injury, and his roster spot appeared in jeopardy. Tommy Bohanon, the team's seventh-round pick from Wake Forest, is having a good camp and appears poised to win the job.