The Bengals suffered a major blow to their defense Friday when Thomas Howard was placed on injured reserve after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during practice Thursday.
“It was an unfortunate thing, anytime a player like Thomas, a young talent, gets hurt,” coach Marvin Lewis said. “You have to move on. It’s a freak thing that happens.”
Howard, a seven-year veteran, was Cincinnati’s tackling leader last season with 120 stops, and started in the Bengals’ Week 1 loss to the Ravens on Monday night. He had four tackles, including a sack, and a pass defensed in the 44-13 defeat.
To take his place on the roster, Cincinnati signed linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy. A third-year player, Muckelroy started three exhibition games for the Bengals this summer, posting 17 tackles, including a sack. He was a fourth-round draft choice in 2010 out of Texas.
JETS’ REVIS RULED OUT
The Jets will face the Steelers’ speedy receivers without Darrelle Revis on Sunday.
The All-Pro cornerback was ruled out for the team’s game at Pittsburgh with a concussion that left him “in a fog” after the injury occurred in the season opener against Buffalo.
Coach Rex Ryan said Revis was cleared for non-contact practice for the first time Friday but will not travel to Pittsburgh with the team.
EXTRA POINTS
Arizona quarterback John Skelton is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game at New England, but coach Ken Whisenhunt has not ruled him out. … Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (right calf) and linebacker James Harrison (left knee) did not practice Friday and are questionable for the game against the Jets. … Texans defensive end Antonio Smith said he has been fined $21,000 by the league for kicking Miami guard Richie Incognito during last week’s win over the Dolphins. Smith missed two practices this week with a sore right ankle. He says he was only retaliating when Incognito tried to twist his ankle after the whistle. … Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Oakland because of a concussion, leaving the team with little experience behind starter Reggie Bush. … Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he expects wide receiver Steve Smith and running back Jonathan Stewart will play against New Orleans, although both are listed as questionable. … The Rams are thin on the offensive line heading into the home opener, with tackle Rodger Saffold (neck) questionable and rookie guard Rokevious Watkins (ankle) out against the Redskins. … Redskins receiver Pierre Garcon remains hobbled with a sore right foot and will be a game-time decision against the Rams.
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