Cincinnati Bengals standout player sustained a PCL injury on Sunday, which is expected to end his season, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
He recorded an offensive touchdown in the Bengals’ 37-27 victory over the Tennessee Titans. He injured his right knee while making the two-yard touchdown catch, which marked his first career reception.
“They warned me it would be contested; I would have somebody on me,” He said. “I walked up to the line and was talking to the tackle like ‘Hey, are we cutting off?’ Talking about a fake block. I tried to get as free as I could, but Joe gave me a great pass, so it was really fun.”
Hiss touchdown reception brought the score to a tie at 14, but he was quickly declared out after making the significant play. He is the longest-serving player on the team and the Bengals’ starting defensive end.
“Obviously I’m disappointed the way the play turned out physically for him, but just happy for him to go out there and help the team by any means necessary,” head coach Zac Taylor said. “You had to pick your moment at some point this season and release him and give him a shot. They had two backers leave the game, so they had backup linebackers in there. We really thought it was a good time to call it to catch them sleeping, but they covered it really well. And Sam made a heck of a catch.”
Hubbard also mentioned that he landed awkwardly while making the catch, but he didn’t provide much detail about the injury after the game. However, quarterback Joe Burrow offered high praise for Hubbard.
“That was a great play by him,” Burrow said. “I’m sure he could have been a tight end if that’s what he decided to do. I had faith in Sam to go make that play. He’s got good hands. That was a four-down situation, and that’s why we ended up going with that one.”
Hubbard’s touchdown was the first receiving score by a defensive player in franchise history. In addition, the defensive end had been dealing with a hamstring injury throughout the season before suffering the PCL injury.
Hubbard has started all 14 games for the Bengals this season. He has totaled 24 tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble. With one year left on his four-year, $40 million contract, which he signed with Cincinnati in July 2021, Hubbard is set to continue with the team for another season.
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