Justin King out for season

In as many years, Justin King becomes the second former Penn State defensive player to have season-ending surgery in his rookie season.

St. Louis Rams cornerback Justin King's rookie season is over before it got started.

King, who played for the Nittany Lions last year, Lion, suffered a torn ligament in his left big toe in Saturday's preseason opener against Tennessee. The injury will require season-ending surgery according to coach Scott Linehan.

You'll remember Paul Posluszny had his rookie season cut short in week three of last season when he broke his forearm. While King wasn't looking to be a starter he was making a strong early impression. For Paul, he was on his way to a very productive rookie season when things turned south.

His NFL career had gotten off to a rousing start, leading the Bills in tackles in each of the first two games. Had he not gotten hurt, it's a virtual certainty he would have challenged San Francisco inside linebacker Patrick Willis for the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

The good news is it appears he's back on track.

The fresh scratches on his neck and left side of his jaw are a sign of what could be this season. "I got something already?" the Buffalo Bills' second-year middle linebacker said with a beaming smile when informed of his wounds from practice. "That's a good thing. It lets me know I'm getting in the mix a little bit. Can't wait to go in and take a look at it."

Ah Paul, I miss the blood streaming down your face and the sneaking on the field when you were so injured you could hardly raise your arm. Good times.