Lions LB Steve Longa lost for season, Matt Patricia confirms

Allen Park -- Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia confirmed Monday that Steve Longa tore his ACL, ending the linebacker's season. 

Longa was injured Friday night, during the second quarter of the team's preseason game against the New York Giants. He was attempting to make a tackle on a touchdown run by Giants quarterback Kyle Lauletta. 

After the game, Longa's leg was in a heavy brace and he was being consoled by teammates. 

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Undrafted out of Rutgers in 2016, Longa joined the Lions practice squad that year, after he was released by the Seattle Seahawks. He made the 53-man roster last season and was one of just four players to play more than 300 special teams snaps. 

Longa had to battle through tragedy last season. On Sept. 29, his father, Etienne, died when he was struck by a vehicle in Pennsylvania. He was 55 years old.