Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) is sacked by Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (The Associated Press)
CINCINNATI – An MRI test confirms that Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, leaving the AFC North leaders without another star player on defense.
Atkins twisted the knee during a 22-20 overtime loss in Miami on Thursday night. The Bengals suspected he'd torn the ACL, and a test in Cincinnati confirmed it on Friday.
The Bengals already were missing top cornerback Leon Hall, out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon, and middle linebacker Rey Maualuga, out indefinitely with a concussion and an injured left knee. He was on crutches earlier this week.
Running back Giovani Bernard was sidelined in the second half by bruised ribs. Coach Marvin Lewis said Friday it's not a long-term injury.
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