Bengals confirm Geno Atkins has torn ACL

August 16, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Bengals beat the Falcons 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cincinnati Bengals suffered a loss on Thursday Night Football after the Miami Dolphins were able to win the field position battle in overtime and sack Andy Dalton in the endzone for the walk-off safety.

Unfortunately for the Bengals, losing ground in the AFC North was the least of the team’s concerns.

During the game, star defensive tackle Geno Atkins suffered a knee injury and was carted to the locker room after teammates helped him limp to the sideline. As it turns out, the Bengals worst fear has been realized.

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis confirmed on Friday that Atkins had suffered a torn ACL and he will now be lost for the year.

It is a huge loss for the Bengals defense and it limits what their defensive line can now do. The pressure Atkins was able to generate up the middle allowed the Bengals to rush just four, but now they will be forced to blitz linebackers and make their secondary more vulnerable than in the past.

SEE ALSO:

Home/Cincinnati Bengals