Geno Atkins has become the latest victim to fall to injury in the NFL. In a season that seems to be filled with injuries like no other in recent years, the defensive tackle, went down with an injury in their game on Sunday night. It has since been discovered that his injury is a torn ACL, keeping him out for the remainder of the season.
The news of Atkins being out will be a big blow to the Bengals defensive line, and a team that was 6-2 going into the game on Thursday, which they lost 22-20 in overtime on a safety from Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake.
The Cincinnati Bengals were one of the top teams in the league, but with a 6-3 record and the loss of Geno Atkins, their future is uncertain, and will certainly need some help along the way.
Really feel for Geno Atkins after reading @gregabedard's superb story this week The best Bengal team in many yrs weeps to lose him to ACL.
— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) November 1, 2013
Atkins is a defensive tackle who has been in the league for four years, and has made it to the Pro Bowl. While they are slipping up with a loss and an injury to a top defender, they are lucky to be in a division that is struggling this year, and are the only team to have a record above .500.
Geno Atkins gone. So with no pass rush now Cincy is gonna have to depend on Dalton to win games for them. Yeah……….
— D'Brickashaw (@DragonflyJonez) November 2, 2013
Still salty bout @GenoSacks injury! Smh… Hope u have a speedy recovery fam…
— Brag Smif (@BragSmif) November 2, 2013
The injury to Geno Atkins is certainly a big loss to the team, especially after already losing four players to injury just four days before in their win against the New York Jets. He was initially ruled out with a knee injury, after his leg appeared to roll up underneath one of his teammates and a Dolphins ball carrier who was being tackled at the end of a 3-yard run.
He was forced to roll over onto his side and take off his helmet, looking for help as soon as the play was over. He will be missed by his teammates and especially those on the line with him. Nose tackle Domata Peko said of his teammate, “I think all of us are going to have to get better missing big Geno. He’s a lot to the defense and a big part of this team.”
Geno Atkins even took to twitter to thank everyone for the support, and show his excitement for returning next year.
A heartfelt “THANK YOU “for all your Prayers, well wishes and support. I am doing great and in good spirits in spite of the obvious news.
— Geno Atkins (@GenoSacks) November 1, 2013
I look forward to a quick recovery and can't wait to get back on the field next year!!!
— Geno Atkins (@GenoSacks) November 1, 2013
In their next two games following Geno Atkins’ departure, the Cincinnati Bengals will face off against two other teams in their division. They play against the Ravens and Browns, which will be important games to win if they want to stay at the top of the division.