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Browns Lose Rhett For Season

October 3, 2000 / 5:06 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Errict Rhett, the Cleveland Browns' leading rusher, will miss the rest of the season after being placed on injured reserve Tuesday with a torn ligament in his left foot.

"This is obviously very disappointing news," said coach Chris Palmer. "He is so dedicated and sets a great example for everyone because of the intensity and work ethic he exhibits on a consistent basis. We will miss him, but injuries are an unfortunate part of football."

Rhett signed a three-year, $6 million free-agent contract during the offseason after two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.

He was leading Cleveland with 258 yards rushing and was third on the team with 14 receptions for 78 yards when he got hurt in the second quarter of the Browns' 12-0 loss to the Ravens on Sunday.

Rhett caught a short pass from Tim Couch over the middle when he tried to make a cut and went down without contact. The injury was originally diagnosed as a mid-foot sprain.

A Browns spokesman said Rhett was seeing a foot specialist to determine if he needs surgery.

"It really hurts to lose him," said rookie running back Travis Prentice, who will replace Rhett in the starting lineup. "He had more energy than the rest of us combined. I'm just going to have to step it up."

Rhett is Cleveland's third offensive starter lost for the season because of a severe injury. Wide receiver JaJuan Dawson (collarbone) and guard Jim Pyne (knee) were hurt in Week 2 against Cincinnati.

Including backup quarterback Ty Detmer, who suffered a season-ending Achilles' tendon injury during an exhibition game, the Browns have eight players on injured reserve, all on offense.