One of the Bengals' bigger strengths takes a big hit
It took the Cincinnati Bengals three games but they were able to pick up their first win of the season in Week 3 on the road against the New York Jets. Unfortunately, they left with a loss as well. As they prepare to host the undefeated Miami Dolphins on Thursday night, they will be a […]
It took the Cincinnati Bengals three games but they were able to pick up their first win of the season in Week 3 on the road against the New York Jets. Unfortunately, they left with a loss as well.
As they prepare to host the undefeated Miami Dolphins on Thursday night, they will be a little shorthanded as defensive tackle, DJ Reader, is heading to injured reserve after suffering an MCL injury last Sunday that could keep him out up to six weeks, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
After four years with the Houston Texans, Reader came to the Bengals on a four-year deal worth $53 million in 2020. His impact was minimal that season as a quad injury sent him to injured reserve. Reader would only appear in five games and record eight tackles.
Reader made up for the shortcomings of his first season with the Bengals in 2021 on their way to a Super Bowl appearance. He racked up the third-most tackles of his career with 43 and his second-most sacks with two as a space eater for the Bengals' run defense.
The Bengals' defense is currently yielding just 86 yards per game on the ground, the eighth best in the NFL. That strength has now taken a significant blow for the foreseeable future.
Feature image via Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
