CB Leon Hall's injury gives 1st-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick a bigger role with Bengals
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) catches a 27-yard touchdown reception as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (27) defends in the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski) (The Associated Press)
Dre Kirkpatrick will get a chance to show he was worth a first-round pick.
The Bengals need help at cornerback with Leon Hall sidelined by another Achilles tendon injury. They're counting on Kirkpatrick, who has missed much of his first two seasons with injuries.
The 17th overall pick in 2012 missed most of his rookie season with knee injuries and a concussion that limited him to five games. He was impressive during training camp this year but missed two games with a hamstring injury.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}He got in for 10 plays on defense during a 27-24 win at Detroit on Sunday, the most action he's seen so far. Hall was hurt during the game.
The Bengals (5-2) host the New York Jets (4-3) on Sunday.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org