Report: Bengals' Collins suffers season-ending knee injury
Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle La'el Collins will miss the rest of the season after an MRI on Sunday revealed he tore his ACL and MCL, sources told the Cincinnati Enquirer's Kelsey Conway.
Collins left Saturday's win over the New England Patriots in the first quarter after a collision. Patriots defensive lineman Davon Godchaux rolled into Collins' left leg, sending him tumbling to the ground. Collins was able to walk off the field under his own power. After spending time in the medical tent, he was carted back to the locker room.
Initial tests Saturday indicated that the 29-year-old didn't suffer any structural damage. "My knee feels pretty stable," Collins told ESPN's Ben Baby postgame.
Quarterback Joe Burrow noted Collins' importance to the Bengals' offensive line after their Week 16 victory.
"L.C. has been playing out of this world for us, and we love to have him," Burrow said. "Hopefully, we'll see him back before the year is out."
Collins was among the Bengals' prized acquisitions last offseason. He signed a three-year, $21-million contract with Cincinnati in March.
Hakeem Adeniji replaced Collins following the injury.
The Bengals (11-4) have clinched a playoff spot and remain in contention to win the AFC North with two games remaining in the regular season.
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