Chiefs wide receiver Devard Darling, who was placed in injured reserve Tuesday after suffering a season-ending knee injury Saturday, said in a statement that he hopes to return next season with the same skills.

Darling spent part of the preseason working with the first-team offense before he tore ligaments in his knee during Saturday's game against Seattle.

Anyway, here's what Darling had to say in the release issued from GIC Public Relations:

"It saddens me to say my season has officially come to an end. A torn ACL is a serious injury, but not one I can't recover from.

"I will undergo surgery to repair the damage and take the necessary steps towards a full recovery. I am confident I will be able to return next season with the same speed and explosiveness you have seen from me in the past.

"Thanks for all of the support and well wishes."