Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins has been one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL over the last two seasons. It looks like the Bengals might have to get used to life without him.
Atkins left Cincinnati's 22-20 overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins with a right knee injury Thursday night, later confirmed by Bengals coach Marvin Lewis via the team's official website to be a torn ACL. Atkins stayed down on the field for a long time after the injury, and had to be helped off the field by teammates. The two-time All-Pro player was carted off the field and taken to the locker room after.
The injuries didn't end there for the Bengals. Running back Giovani Bernard injured his ribs in the fourth quarter and went to the locker room. He returned to the sideline after that, but never returned to the game.
We handed out our Midseason Hero Awards in the latest "Around the League" Podcast.