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During the first quarter of the Bengals-Vikings game this Saturday, defensive tackle DJ Reader suffered a knee injury.
Reader, 29, had to be carted off the field. The crowd at Paycor Stadium gave him a much-deserved round of applause.
Shortly after Reader was carted off the field, the Bengals ruled him out for the rest of the game. That’s a strong sign that he suffered a pretty serious injury.
Reader has been an integral member of Cincinnati’s defense for the past few years. Coming into Week 15, he has recorded 34 tackles, seven quarterback hits, one sack and a fumble recovery this season.
With Reader out for the game, BJ Hill and Josh Tupou will need to step up at defensive tackle.
The Bengals also need their pass-rushing duo of Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson to get pressure on Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens.
This Saturday’s game between the Bengals and Vikings is being televised on NFL Network.