It’s devastating news for the D.C. Defenders with just two weeks until the regular season starts, as they appear to have lost a big piece of their offense.

A team source fears running back Abram Smith tore his ACL in practice on Wednesday. The severity of the injury has not been made clear, so a timetable for his return is unknown but a tear would likely mean Smith is out for the season.

Smith was a star in the XFL for the Defenders last season, leading the league in rushing with 788 yards and seven touchdowns. His performance earned him a spot on the All-XFL team.

It also helped him land in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings briefly after the season before being released in August. He rushed for 54 yards and caught a touchdown in preseason with the Vikings. Smith also played with the New Orleans Saints in 2022.

Smith, 25, played at Baylor as a linebacker first before converting to running back. He had a breakout season in 2016, rushing for 1,601 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was named second-team all-Big 12.

With the potential loss of Smith, the Defenders would be left with Darius Haggans, Cam’Ron Harris and Pooka Williams filling at running back.

The Defenders open the season March 31 at the San Antonio Brahmas.