Detroit Lions injury update: Doctor suggests T.J. Hockenson suffered high-ankle sprain

Lost in the Detroit Lions’ last-minute loss to the Chicago Bears was a fourth-quarter injury to the team’s first-round pick. T.J. Hockenson limped off the field late after his ankle got trapped underneath a defender.

Here’s a photo of what appears to be the moment Hockenson injury his leg. (Warning: It’s a pretty gruesome picture of his foot and ankle getting bent the wrong way. So I won’t be including the picture below, just a link to it.)

While the team has not given an official update of Hockenson’s status, it does appear to be a serious injury that could end his rookie season early. The Detroit Free Press noted that Hockenson was first on crutches, then later in a walking boot and scooter as he left Ford Field on Thursday night.

Former Chargers doctor David J. Chao believes—based on video and the photo—that Hockenson suffered a high-ankle sprain.

If that is indeed the end to Hockenson’s rookie season, he’ll finish the year with 32 receptions for 367 yards and two scores. He’s currently second among all rookie tight ends, just barely trailing his Iowa teammate Noah Fant, who has 30 catches for 374 yards and two score with the Broncos.