Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga was carted off in the second quarter of the team's 49-9 victory over the New York Jets with a knee injury, but the initial prognosis is relatively positive for the veteran. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports that it is only believed to be an MCL injury and isn't season-threatening.
Rey Maualuga diagnosed with MCL injury
The diagnosis for Maualuga isn’t as bad as it initially looked when the linebacker was carted off on Sunday.
Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Maualuga, 26, was also diagnosed with a concussion in the victory and looks to be a longshot to participate in the team's Week 9 game against the Miami Dolphins.
A second-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, Maualuga has started in 67 career games for the Bengals, including eight at middle linebacker for the team in 2013. In his absence, the Bengals will likely have to rely on Michael Boley to step into the starting lineup, either in the middle or on the weakside, depending on where the team wants Vontaze Burfict. Vincent Rey could also see an increased role in Maualuga's absence.
Maualuga has 51 tackles through eight games in 2013 and 397 tackles in his career with the team.
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