Bengals CB Dre Kirkpatrick seen in brace, MRI to follow

The Cincinnati Bengals fell to 0-6 on Sunday.

One of two winless teams remaining in the NFL, the opportunity to secure that coveted first win may be more difficult if one of the team’s top corners, Dre Kirkpatrick misses time.

Kirkpatrick left the game against the Ravens in the first quarter due to a knee injury that may keep him sidelined for the foreseeable future. While the injury looked serious, nothing has been officially confirmed yet.

According to Geoff Hobson, Kirkpatrick is expected to have an MRI in the near future. He was also seen leaving the locker room with a knee brace on.

“Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick departed the locker room in a knee brace with an MRI scheduled for either Sunday night or Monday.”

Kirkpatrick’s Alabama teammate, Mark Ingram, came and stood over him while the corner received medical attention. This was a great gesture of character from the Ravens starting running back.

As for Kirkpatrick, this could derail his season, if it’s something major. Even if it’s not a normal season-ending injury, with six games already in the books, the Bengals could place him on injured reserve and simply not activate him after eight games, which would put his return in December.

The 17th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Kirkpatrick had been on the field for over 95% of the team’s defensive snaps. He was the second-string corner, trailing just William Jackson on the depth chart.

This has been Kirkpatrick’s eighth season in the league and fifth as a consistent starter for Cincinnati. That said, we don’t know his status for next week against the Jaguars, but it likely won’t be the difference-maker for the Bengals who have looked pathetic early on this season.