Bengals: Andrew Billings Has Torn Menniscus

Jun 14, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Andrew Billings (75) runs drills during minicamp at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Andrew Billings (75) runs drills during minicamp at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Bengals have now lost their fourth round draft pick and second 2016 draft pick this season, Andrew Billings, to a torn Meniscus.

Adam Schfter of ESPN tweeted the news of Billings undergoing surgery to repair the injury he suffered last week in practice. Even the the Bengals remained hopeful that the injury was not serious, today’s news is a blow to a rookie who was expected to see reps immediately.

Billings was named one of the biggest steals in this year’s draft. His size and ability to get into the backfield and disrupt plays made him a perfect target for the Bengals. Now, his entire 2016 season is in jeopardy after being carted off of Wednesdays practice last week.

The Bengals defensive tackle depth, led by Geno Atkins and Domata Peko, will look to players like Marcus Hardison and Brandon Thompson to keep everyone rested. The loss of a young, talented player like Billings is hard to swallow, especially after already losing William Jackson III to a torn pectoral. Not to mention, the Bengals are likely to be missing Tyler Kroft  in week one with his sprained knee.

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The Bengals can only hope that the injuries end here, and that they can focus on the season, instead of filling injured spots on this year’s roster. The defense can’t afford to replace anyone else, and the offense has been firing on all cylinders eve without Tyler Eifert and Tyler Kroft.

Fans were holding their breath when Jeremy Hill went off the field in Fridays game, holding his hand. Shawn Williams was also a point on concern when he left practice early, but has not been updated as to anything serious.

Next: Bengals Prepare for Detroit Lions

The Bengals will head to Detroit this week for game two of their four preseason games. They will look to escape on Thursday with no more injuries and a win for their depth players.