Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle D.J. Reader will miss the rest of the season after suffering a left quad injury in Sunday's 27-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, coach Zac Taylor said Monday.
Reader, who was placed on injured reserve Monday, went down with less than nine minutes in the third quarter Sunday after he tackled Baltimore's Gus Edwards following a 3-yard gain. Reader was carted off the field and was visibly frustrated as he went back to the locker room.
Reader was a key addition during the Bengals' spending spree this offseason. He signed a four-year deal worth $53 million, which is believed to be the richest contract given to a free agent in franchise history.
"He was doing a great job," Taylor said. "You know what you're going to get from him on every single snap."
J.J. Watt, his former teammate with the Houston Texans, tweeted encouragement to him on Monday, writing: "Hate to hear about the injury @Djread98 , but know exactly how you're gonna attack this recovery and come back stronger than ever. Minor setback for major comeback. You got this brother."
Hate to hear about the injury @Djread98, but know exactly how you're gonna attack this recovery and come back stronger than ever.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 12, 2020
Minor setback for major comeback. You got this brother.
In his first four games of the season, Reader had 18 tackles, with one of those coming behind the line of scrimmage. He is the fourth Bengals defensive tackle to be placed on injured reserve or opt-out of the 2020 season, joining Mike Daniels, Renell Wren and Josh Tupou.
The Bengals signed defensive tackle Xavier Williams to fill their open roster spot.
ESPN's Ben Baby contributed to this report.