Hodges blow for Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns punter Reggie Hodges is set to miss the upcoming NFL season after tearing his left Achilles tendon at training.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur has confirmed he will likely be without his star punter for the upcoming campaign.

“It’ll probably prevent him from playing this year,” Shumur said.

Hodges was ranked 3rd in the American Conference for punts landed inside the opposition’s 10-yard line last season.

The 29-year-old famously ran 68 yards for a touchdown on a faked punt play last season in the Browns’ upset win over the New Orleans Saints.

In other NFL news, Seattle have lured Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller on a five-year deal. The Seahawks also confirmed the signing of New Orleans defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson.

Running back Ronnie Brown has put pen to paper on a one-year agreement with Philadelphia, becoming the Eagles’ fifth signing of the close season following the arrivals of NNamdi Asomugha, Cullen Jenkins, Jason Babin and Vince Young.

Elsewhere, left tackle Bryant McKinnie has been released by the Minnesota Vikings after spending nine years with the franchise.

The NFL season starts September 8 with New Orleans travelling to Lambeau Field to face defending champions the Green Bay Packers.