Seattle rookie WR Richardson out with torn ACL in left knee

RENTON, Wash. (AP) Rookie wide receiver Paul Richardson will miss the rest of the playoffs for the Seattle Seahawks after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

The team confirmed Richardson's injury on Sunday night. Fox Sports first reported the injury.

Richardson was injured in the second half of Seattle's 31-17 win over Carolina in an NFC divisional playoff game on Saturday night. Richardson landed hard on his left knee jumping for a deep pass from Russell Wilson and walked off the field with a significant limp. He did not return.

Richardson also tore the ACL in his left knee in college at Colorado.

Richardson had become more involved in Seattle's offense as the season progressed. Richardson had 13 receptions in the final three games of the regular season, including his first NFL touchdown. Richardson had one reception against the Panthers.

Richardson will likely be replaced by Ricardo Lockette and fellow rookie Kevin Norwood in Seattle's multiple receiver sets. The Seahawks will also need to find another kick returner for the NFC championship game. Richardson had been returning kicks since the middle of the season after Percy Harvin was traded. Richardson averaged 23.5 yards per return.

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