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Bengals' rookie RB Irons out for season
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Friday, August 10, 2007
GEORGETOWN, Ky. - The Cincinnati Bengals return to training camp at Georgetown College on Saturday for an abbreviated afternoon workout from 3:45-5:15 p.m.
And when they hit the field at Toyota Stadium, they'll be without the services of rookie tailback Kenny Irons.
Head coach Marvin Lewis confirmed Friday that Irons suffered a torn left Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and is out for the season.
Irons, a second-round draft pick out of Auburn, was injured in the first half of the Bengals' 27-26 preseason-opening loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Irons rushed four times for 17 yards. His final carry was a 7-yard gain around left end - he was tackled by free safety Gerald Alexander - with about five minutes remaining in the first half.
Irons' injury brought back memories of Aug. 17, 1995, when rookie tailback Ki-Jana Carter - the No. 1 overall pick of the draft - tore his left ACL in a preseason game against the Lions at the Pontiac (Mich.) Silverdome.
After the game, Irons was seated on a table in the training room with an elastic wrap around his knee and crutches leaning against the table.
In a news release issued by the Bengals Friday afternoon, Lewis said the Bengals' medical staff anticipates a full recovery for Irons, and that Irons should be ready to participate in next spring's minicamps and on-field coaching sessions.
Irons was one of the brightest stars in camp as he showed off his speed, quickness and acceleration.
His injury solidifies Kenny Watson as the backup to starter Rudi Johnson, and gives Quincy Wilson new life.
Watson doesn't have Irons' breakaway speed, but he hits the hole quickly with power, and is a solid check-down receiver for quarterback Carson Palmer.
Wilson is a durable runner who is built with a low center of gravity similar to Johnson. Wilson drags defenders with his strength, determination and powerful leg drive.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@coxohio.com
Comments
By Terry
August 11, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
Who cares- Bengals are a cheesy flea market minor league team anyway. Might go 8-8 if they’re lucky. Love seeing the Cincinnati fans, each year, hoping for a good season and then watching it destroyed half way through the season. Hope Palmer throws to Chadly Johnson across the middle alot this year. That way a linebacker can blind side the big mouth average WR. And no, I’m not a Brown’s fan either.Just don’t like minor league football.
By bongo
August 11, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Yeh Yeh So What else is new ?
By Ryan
August 10, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
I agree with you Gary. Kenny Watson is more than capable as a second back and compliments Rudi well. I don’t think it’s that big of a loss for them, as long as injury strikes again.
By gerry
August 10, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
Look for Chris Perry and Chris Henry to come back mid season and give the offense a lift.
By William
August 10, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
It’s gotta be a curse or something. This is like the 3rd back in the last few years this has happened to, plus Carson.
By Spartan
August 10, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
If the Bengals go 11-5 the road to the Super Bowl will travel either through San Deigo or New England, two places I do not see the Bengals winning in late January.
By Jonah
August 10, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
While I am disappointed, I am not disheartened. While I liked what I heard and saw about Irons’ ability, I have also always been a fan of Quincy Wilson. Watson is a very good third down back, but with Irons out and Chris Perry headed for another stint on the PUP list, perhaps Wilson will get a good chance to be the change-of-pace guy. BTW, what is it with speedy Bengals backs that can’t stay healthy??? Looking forward to 11-5, division (AFC/Superbowl?)champs! WHO-DEY!
By Gary Matney
August 10, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
This is a setback but not a big worry, Kenny Watson is a good back and the the Bengals will be fine!! Who Dey!!!!!!!!!!!!!