Former Ohio State H-back Curtis Samuel's rookie NFL season has come to an end due to an ankle injury.
The news, which was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, was confirmed shortly after by the Carolina Panthers, who said the rookie wide receiver will undergo season-ending surgery on his left ankle and be placed on injured reserve.
Samuel suffered the injury when his ankle became caught under a defender while he attempted to catch what would have been a touchdown pass in the Panthers' win over the Miami Dolphins on Monday night.
A second-round pick in this year's NFL draft, Samuel's rookie season ends with 15 catches for 115 yards, four rushing attempts for 64 yards and 10 kickoff returns for 221 yards in nine games played.
It's been a rough year for Ohio State's rookies in the NFL, as four of the five who were selected in the first two rounds of the draft – Malik Hooker, Gareon Conley (whose season also ended Monday), Raekwon McMillan and Samuel – are now out for the season due to injuries. The one bright spot among them has been Marshon Lattimore, who has already emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints.
Another bright spot for Ohio State's rookie class has been Pat Elflein, who has started each of the Minnesota Vikings' first nine games this season after being selected in the third round of this year's draft.
