Cincinnati Bengals star defensive lineman DJ Reader needed a cart to leave the field on Saturday during the team’s Week 15 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
On the team’s first defensive series of the game, Reader went down after a seemingly routine play and attempted to get back up with the help of teammates before signaling to the sideline.
Since coming over as a major free-agency addition in 2020, Reader has been a centerpiece of the Lou Anarumo defense and is arguably the unit’s best player.
Reader’s currently scheduled to be a free agent this upcoming offseason. Josh Tupou and others will attempt to fill the void over the last month as they attempt a playoff push.
Update: The Bengals immediately declared Reader out with a right knee injury:
.@KetteringHealth Injury Update: DT DJ Reader has a right knee injury. He has been declared out.
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 16, 2023
