By Perry Lefko

SPORTSNET.CA

Dylan Barker, chosen first overall by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 2008 Canadian Football League draft, may be sidelined for the entire season after suffering a serious leg injury in the team's 28-21 win over the Toronto Argonauts Thursday at the Rogers Centre.

The early word is Barker may have a broken tibia, which would require surgery that would sideline him indefinitely. He will almost certainly be placed on the nine-game injured list, which would mean his salary wouldn't count against the $4.20 million cap.

Barker, 6’4” and 200 pounds, had been projected as a free safety prospect with the Cats. The Moose Jaw native played impressively at the University of Saskatchewan, establishing himself as a punishing physical player. He had been named as an All-Canadian in his last two seasons.