Geno Atkins injury could last multiple weeks

UPDATE

Geno Atkins has been ruled out for Sunday’s clash with the Chargers. And since the Bengals have a short week before facing the Browns on Thursday, there’s a good chance he misses that game as well.

It’d be a sad, yet in some ways, foreseeable shame if Geno Atkins missed his first game in over six years when A.J. Green makes his return for the first time in almost two years.

This appears to be the case this week as the Bengals prepare for their season opener against the Chargers. Atkins hasn’t practiced all week with a shoulder injury and if he doesn’t practice on Friday, he seems to be destined for the inactives list.

But Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com might have some good news for us. Hobson says that Atkins’ injury isn’t too serious and the coaches may even consider playing him come Sunday if things progress well for the 10-year veteran.

Word is that Atkins doesn’t look like he’s got an injury that is going to take weeks to heal and he may even be considered a game-time decision.

The coaching staff made it very clear this offseason that they want to preserve Atkins as much as possible so he can be fresh for the latter half of the season. Rushing him back from a minor injury seems counterintuitive to all of that, but if Atkins feels right, there’s no reason not to let him play at least somewhat.

Mike Daniels being able to go will help soften the blow of Atkins’ absence, and perhaps his availability will determine the course of action with Atkins.

We should get more clarity on the subject when Friday’s injury report gets released. But for now, don’t count Atkins out just yet.