Bengals DT Geno Atkins out for season with torn ACL

Geno Atkins was a key piece of Cincinnati's defense. (Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) Not only did the Bengals lose in heartbreaking fashion to the Dolphins on

Geno Atkins was a key piece of Cincinnati's defense. (Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Not only did the Bengals lose in heartbreaking fashion to the Dolphins on Halloween night — the game ended on a walk-off safety in overtime — they also found out on Friday they've lost Geno Atkins, their most feared pass rusher, for the season with a torn ACL.

Atkins suffered the injury in the second quarter, as his right leg gave out while being blocked. An MRI Friday morning revealed the tear on the two-time Pro Bowler, who has 29 sacks in four seasons, including six this year.

BEDARD: How Atkins prepared for games with film work

Atkins signed a five-year, $55 million contract less than two months ago rather than go into the last year of his rookie deal without a fresh contract. He'll receive $22 million over the next six months, instead of sweating things out after the injury.

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Really feel for Geno Atkins after reading @gregabedard's superb story this week The best Bengal team in many yrs weeps to lose him to ACL.

— Peter King (@peter_king) November 1, 2013