Cowboys lineman Tyrone Crawford has torn Achilles

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Tyrone Crawford is out for the season with a torn Achilles' tendon suffered during the first day of practice, the team announced on its official website.

He's expected to undergo surgery to repair the damage and spend the season on injured reserve.

Crawford is a 2012 third-round draft pick from Boise State who was regarded as a key contributor.

He was carted off the field after and was visibly in pain and frustration, pounding his first into the ground after getting hurt, according to reports.

"Achilles!" Crawford yelled out, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I can't [expletive] believe this!"

“I was actually watching it,” team vice president Stephen Jones said. “Any time a guy falls like that in a noncontract drill, it’s not good news. It’s disappointing. Crawford is our top young defensive lineman.”

Plus, defensive tackle Jay Ratliff injured his hamstring during a conditioning test and is sidelined. He was placed on the physically unable to perform list.

Crawford's injury so early in the season during a noncontact drill is a grim reminder of how vulnerable players are to serious injuries.

The fallout could put the Cowboys on the hunt for a defensive end,

The top available pass rusher is former Atlanta Falcons standout John Abraham. Abraham could be expensive, though, so it's unclear if the Cowboys will be able to make that kind of an investment to address this negative development.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.

Aaron Wilson
Aaron Wilson covers the NFL for National Football Post, his second stint at the Post. He has previously written for Pro Football Talk and FOX Sports-Scout. Entering his 13th year covering the Baltimore Ravens, he's a beat writer for The Baltimore Sun. Wilson has also covered the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.

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