Giovani Bernard Injury: Updates on Bengals Star's Knee and Recovery

Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard suffered a torn ACL against the Buffalo Bills in Week 11 on the final drive of the game. The team has placed him on injured reserve, ending his season.

Continue for updates.

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Bernard Placed on IR

Tuesday, Nov. 22

The Bengals announced they placed Bernard on injured reserve, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

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Lewis Confirms Bernard's Diagnosis

Monday, Nov. 21

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis confirmed that Bernard suffered a torn ACL, but he did not discuss a timetable for his recovery, per Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

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Bernard Has Been a Staple of Bengals Offense 

The Bengals have diligently deployed Bernard in his four-year career. He has been the primary backup since being drafted in 2013, with his carry total decreasing from 170 as a rookie to 154 in 2015.

Yet Bernard, who set a new career high with 4.7 yards per carry in 2015, has played an essential role as a receiver out of the backfield, catching at least 40 passes in each of his first three NFL seasons.

He has 337 rushing yards, 336 receiving yards and three total touchdowns in 2016.

The Bengals have depth at running back. Jeremy Hill, who was their primary starter in 2015, tied for the NFL lead with 11 rushing touchdowns last year despite seeing his yards per carry drop from 5.1 to 3.6. 

Rex Burkhead also figures to see more carries when Hill is not on the field.

His absence is another blow for the 3-6-1 Bengals, who also lost receiver A.J. Green to a hamstring injury Sunday.