Bengals veteran DT out for remainder of season

The Bengals earned an improbable come-from-behind win on Saturday, but they suffered several injuries in the process. That includes the collision that knocked defensive tackle D.J. Reader out of the contest and put an end to his season. 

Reader was carted off the field in the first quarter of Saturday’s game against the Vikings, and he was quickly ruled out. An MRI revealed a quad injury, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. After the game, head coach Zac Taylor expressed concern over the length of time Reader could miss as a result of the injury. Rapoport and colleague Mike Garafolo have since reported the veteran suffered a torn quad tendon and is out for the year.

Reader, 29, has been a maintain on Cincinnati’s defensive front since his arrival in 2020. He inked a four-year, $53M deal in free agency after his Texans rookie contract expired. A quadriceps injury ended his debut Bengals campaign after only five contests, but he has been a productive contributor and valued veteran presence when healthy. The news marks a blow to the Bengals’ defense, and it will no doubt hinder Reader’s market on a new Bengals pact or a free agent move this offseason.

The Clemson alum had posted 34 tackles, one sack and seven quarterback hits heading into Saturday’s game. Those figures helped contribute to a PFF grade above 80 for the third straight season and the fourth time in his career. PFF rated Reader ninth amongst all interior D-linemen, and his absence will be acutely felt on a defense that has struggled in many categories this season. With Reader sidelined for much of the contest, Vikings running back Ty Chandler rushed for a career-high 132 yards and a touchdown.

In Reader’s absence, the Bengals will likely lean more heavily on 2022 third-rounder Zach Carter. The latter logged a 38% snap share as a rookie, and that figure has jumped to 42% this season. Cincinnati also has former Jaguars fourth-rounder Jay Tufele as a depth option at the DT spot, and he could be in line for an uptick in usage down the stretch.

Saturday’s win improved the Bengals’ record to 8-6, keeping them firmly in the race in the AFC’s crowded wild-card picture. Losing Reader will deal a significant blow to the team’s prospects to close out the campaign, however, while also adding an unwanted development concerning his future with the organization.