Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins will sit out Sunday’s home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, forcing the team to begin its season without its No. 1 man on defense.
The Bengals announced the decision Friday. It wasn’t surprising — he missed the entire preceding week of practice due to a shoulder injury — but it will end his streak of playing 96 consecutive regular-season games with the Bengals.
Atkins has played for Cincinnati since being drafted in 2010. According to Sports Illustrated, he hasn’t missed a game since tearing his ACL in 2013.
