Lou Anarumo expressed deep sorrow over DJ Reader’s season-ending injury, which occurred in the first quarter against the Vikings. The Bengals’ defensive tackle suffered a torn right quad tendon in the Week 15 victory.
Placed on injured reserve, Reader will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. Anarumo, the Bengals’ defensive coordinator, conveyed the emotional impact of the injury, describing it as “heartbreaking.”
Anarumo acknowledged the irreplaceable presence of DJ Reader on the field but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to fill the void with other players. He emphasized Reader’s resilience and character, describing him as a great man and an integral part of the Bengals family.
Anarumo acknowledged the challenges of the situation, particularly considering it’s a contract year for Reader. He highlighted the team’s awareness of the unseen pressures and expressed empathy, hoping for Reader’s full recovery.
DJ Reader, at 29, is in the final year of a four-year, $53 million contract he signed in 2020. The injury poses a potential obstacle to securing another long-term contract in the upcoming offseason.
Anarumo noted that Reader had previously overcome a left quad tendon tear in the 2020 season, returning stronger, and expressed hope for a similar recovery from this latest setback.
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