In the second quarter of Sunday's game in Baltimore, Raiders tight end Lee Smith caught a pass one yard out. Ravens defensive back Jimmy Smith dove at Lee Smith's ankles from behind, causing the big tight end to go down awkwardly. He was then helped off the field with assistance from teammates, not to return.

Soon after, Orthopedic special and former longtime NFL team doctor David J Chao gave his real time diagnosis on what he saw, leading him to conclude the injury will require surgery and send Smith to injured reserve.

#LeeSmith @RAIDERS with right ankle fracture. Still made it off field on own power. Unfortunately surgery & IR. pic.twitter.com/eqA6Mr8za6 — David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) October 2, 2016

That diagnosis was corroborated today by NFL media's Ian Rapoport, though without the certainty that Smith's injury would end his season.

#Raiders TE Lee Smith, one of their more underrated pieces, suffered a fractured bone in his lower leg, source said. It threatens his season — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 3, 2016

Smith was a priority free agent signing prior to last season. He is the team's primary blocking tight end. The team doesn't currently have a player who can fulfill his duties.