The Cincinnati Bengals have activated Pro Bowl defensive tackle Geno Atkins from the Phyically Unable to Play (PUP) list, per the team’s Twitter account. Atkins suffered a torn ACL in November of last season, dealing a major blow to the playoff hopes of the Bengals in 2013. The team still made the playoffs, but once again lost in the first round.
NEWS: #Bengals activate the following players from PUP:
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) July 30, 2014
-DT Geno Atkins
-LB Marquis Flowers
Atkins has quickly become one of the most highly regarded defensive linemen in the NFL since his arrival in Cincinnati in 2010. He had played in every game from 2010, when he was drafted in the fourth round, until his injury last season.
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Atkins tallied 29 sacks and six forced fumbles in that stretch, and remains a key cog in a Bengals defense that allowed the third-fewest yards from scrimmage last season.
With such a big man returning from a knee injury, it would be hasty for Bengals fans to assume they’re getting the same old Geno Atkins in 2014. Many players have a down year after suffering an ACL injury and that could very well be the case for Atkins.
Having just been activated from PUP means Atkins is still a ways from being cleared for game day speed.
Still, the news is a huge boon for the Bengals, who desperately need a playoff win. Their next such victory will be the franchise’s first since 1990.
If Atkins can return to his Pro Bowl form in 2014, expect the Bengals to once again contend for the AFC North crown.