Saints Lose Defensive End Greg Romeus For Season

New Orleans Saints defensive end Greg Romeus was hoping to be the kind of inspirational story sports fans love. He was hoping to make an impact on the field this upcoming season after rehabbing from several injuries for the past two years. Now, he must rehab for another season if he hopes to make a comeback.

Romeus tore both his ACL and MCL while running down the field for basic drills at Saints OTAs. The injury occurred to his non-surgically repaired knee. It's another tough blow to a young man who has already overcome serious injuries since being drafted out of Pitt by the Saints in the 7th round of the 2011 draft.

Romeus was a top NFL prospect after his junior year when he was named the Big East defensive player of the year. Back surgery, followed by a torn ACL caused his stock to take a huge drop. When the Saints selected him in the final round of the 2011 draft, fans had hoped that if healthy, Romeus could amount to buried treasure for the fleur-de-lis. They'll have to continue hoping, as Greg must battle back from yet another injury.

"This kid has really worked hard. The whole team feels bad for him, the coaching staff feels bad for him. It's part of the game," explained Saints interim coach Joe Vitt. "This kid has put in the time, he has put in the effort and he has to go through the whole process all over again. So we're going to be there for him and we're going to support him."

Judging by his coach's words, Romeus has made a serious impact on his team already, regardless of if he ever sees the field.

He was a "lead by example player" and a locker room leader while at Pitt. Vitt's words and the sympathies of his teammates suggest he's beloved in the Saints locker room as well. It'll be a tough road of rehab back to the field, but Romeus is the kind of young man who can do it.