Toronto Raptors announce The Raptor mascot sidelined for the season

The Toronto Raptors must move forward this season without the services of one of their most consistent and durable components.

The team confirmed the fan base's fear Wednesday, announcing that The Raptor would be sidelined for the entire 2013-2014 season due to a torn Achilles suffered while the Raptors were in Halifax for training camp.

The Raptor is one of the NBA's most recognizable mascots. His acrobatic slam dunks and playful nature entertained the home crowd during long stretches when the team didn't. An employee since the franchise's first days, Raptors games won't be the same this season without his presence on the court.

Head coach Dwane Casey addressed the status of The Raptor at the end of his post-game press conference following the Raptors' 101-89 pre-season loss to the Timberwolves (3:00 mark).

"The Raptor will be back," proclaimed Casey.

We sure hope so. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

No word yet on whether or not Drake's title as the team's "global ambassador" includes suiting up as the mascot for a handful of games.