Jets lose FB Hilliard to shoulder injury

New York Jets fullback Lex Hilliard suffered a broken scapula during Tuesday's practice and was to undergo season-ending surgery, according to reports.

The Jets announced Wednesday morning that Hilliard was placed on injured reserve and the team had signed wide receiver Marcus Rucker to replace him on the roster.

Hilliard, who was competing with rookie Tommy Bohanon at fullback and fighting for a roster spot, was slated for the surgery on the shoulder blade on Wednesday, ProFootballTalk.com reported.

Hilliard played in 12 games for the Jets last season and re-signed in March. He rushed eight times for 31 yards and caught four passes for 23 yards in nine games with the Jets last year.