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Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler left the stadium Sunday night, wheeling on a pair of crutches. The starting right guard suffered a calf injury during Cincinnati's 24-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons. With over two minutes remaining in the first half, Zeitler sealed the inside block to give Giovani Bernard room to score his four-yard touchdown.
According to Richard Skinner with the Cincinnati Enquirer, Zeitler is still using his crutches and is now in a protective boot.
Kevin Zeitler in boot and using crutches to get around locker room. Doesn't look good
— Richard Skinner (@nkyskinner) September 15, 2014
Despite the outward appearance, a boot doesn't necessarily suggest the severity of the injury -- most foot or leg injuries will require a protective boot to... you know... protect the foot, assist with the swelling or immobilize the foot.
Last year center Kyle Cook sported crutches and a boot after suffering a first-quarter foot injury during Cincinnati's regular season finale against Baltimore. Cook started the Wild Card game the next week. Burfict twisted his ankle during a November practice and wore a boot heading to San Diego (the regular season game). He led the team with 13 tackles and added a pass defensed and two quarterback pressures.
Or it could be more serious. Sports director Brad Johansen with Local 12 adds "from what I hear, he may miss a month." At least it's not a season-ender.