Defensive end Antwan Odom has a torn Achilles' tendon that will leave the Cincinnati Bengals without their top pass rusher indefinitely -- possibly for the season.
Odom was tied for the NFL lead with eight sacks when he was hurt during the first quarter of the Bengals' 28-17 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said afterward that the injury is "probably pretty severe," but tests would determine its extent. He later said that Odom tore his right Achilles' tendon, according to the Bengals' Web site.
The Bengals lost starting tight end Reggie Kelly to a torn Achilles' tendon during training camp. Kelly had surgery and is out for the season.
Starting defensive tackle Domata Peko also suffered a knee injury during the first quarter Sunday and didn't return, leaving the line depleted.
"We were undermanned big-time," said lineman Tank Johnson, who played with a sore foot. "But that's just the game."
Odom was been the Bengals' top defensive player during a 4-1 start. He tied the franchise record with five sacks in a victory over the Green Bay Packers in the second game of the season. On Sunday, he barged into the backfield and blocked Kris Brown's 28-yard field-goal attempt on the Texans' opening drive.
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One series later, Odom was hurt on Matt Schaub's 12-yard touchdown pass to Owen Daniels. Odom stayed on his back in pain after he was blocked while trying to get to Schaub. The medical staff looked at the back of Odom's right leg and called for a cart to take him off the field.
Odom was the Bengals' top defensive acquisition after the 2007 season. He signed a five-year, $29.5 million deal that included $11.5 million guaranteed, but things haven't gone well for him in Cincinnati.
Odom severely sprained his left foot during his first practice in training camp last year, and the injury lingered well into the season. He also suffered a shoulder injury that sidelined him for four games during the 4-11-1 season. Odom finished with just three sacks.
Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer said the injuries on the defensive line made an impact Sunday.
"I think when you lose Antwan Odom, it hurts," Palmer said. "That's a big-time pass rusher coming off the edge. We also were without other key guys, so it made it difficult."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
