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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. Dayton Daily News http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/pro/bengals/2007/08/10/ddn081007ironsweb.html |
