Report: Saints 1st-rounder Rankins suffers broken fibula

Sheldon Rankins appears headed for a lengthy sideline stint to start his rookie season.

Initial tests on the leg injury that saw the New Orleans Saints' first-round defensive tackle carted off the practice field Monday reveal a broken fibula, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Rankins, Rapoport adds, will undergo further examinations to determine whether there is any additional damage to the leg.

Should he escape without any such issues, it's reportedly possible that Rankins is placed on injured reserve and later designated as a player to return.

With the potential to dominate in both the running game and as a pass-rusher, Rankins joined the Saints this year as a pivotal piece on a rebuilding defensive front.

Though he could have plenty of season left when he's cleared to return from injury, missing significant action in his opportunity for training camp and preseason work makes for a setback heading into his NFL debut.