The Bengals earned an unbelievable come-from-behind win on Saturday, however they suffered a number of accidents within the course of. That features the collision that knocked defensive sort out D.J. Reader out of the competition and put an finish to his season.
Reader was carted off the sphere within the first quarter of Saturday’s recreation in opposition to the Vikings, and he was rapidly dominated out. An MRI revealed a quad harm, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. After the sport, head coach Zac Taylor expressed concern over the size of time Reader may miss because of the harm. Rapoport and colleague Mike Garafolo have since reported the veteran suffered a torn quad tendon and is out for the yr.
Reader, 29, has been a keep on Cincinnati’s defensive entrance since his arrival in 2020. He inked a four-year, $53M deal in free company after his Texans rookie contract expired. A quadriceps harm ended his debut Bengals marketing campaign after solely 5 contests, however he has been a productive contributor and valued veteran presence when wholesome. The information marks a blow to the Bengals’ protection, and it’ll little question hinder Reader’s market on a brand new Bengals pact or a free agent transfer this offseason.
The Clemson alum had posted 34 tackles, one sack and 7 quarterback hits heading into Saturday’s recreation. These figures helped contribute to a PFF grade above 80 for the third straight season and the fourth time in his profession. PFF rated Reader ninth amongst all inside D-linemen, and his absence might be acutely felt on a protection that has struggled in lots of classes this season. With Reader sidelined for a lot of the competition, Vikings operating again Ty Chandler rushed for a career-high 132 yards and a landing.
In Reader’s absence, the Bengals will possible lean extra closely on 2022 third-rounder Zach Carter. The latter logged a 38% snap share as a rookie, and that determine has jumped to 42% this season. Cincinnati additionally has former Jaguars fourth-rounder Jay Tufele as a depth possibility on the DT spot, and he could possibly be in line for an uptick in utilization down the stretch.
Saturday’s win improved the Bengals’ document to 8-6, preserving them firmly within the race within the AFC’s crowded wild-card image. Shedding Reader will deal a major blow to the group’s prospects to shut out the marketing campaign, nonetheless, whereas additionally including an undesirable improvement regarding his future with the group.