Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Friday that Reader (knee) will play Sunday against the Steelers, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Reader was designated to return from injured reserve Monday after missing the previous six games due to an MCL sprain, but he appears to have progressed well during practice and is in line to suit up Sunday. Despite Taylor's optimism, Reader won't officially clear his injury designation until the Bengals activate the defensive tackle from IR.

Reader (knee) was designated to return from injured reserve Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Reader has missed the last six games due to an MCL sprain, but he'll be able to rejoin the Bengals at practice following their Week 10 bye. The 28-year-old will need to be activated from injured reserve within the next three weeks if he hopes to play again in 2022.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Wednesday that Reader (knee) won't be activated ahead of Sunday's matchup against Carolina, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Reader will miss a sixth consecutive contest while on IR due to an MCL sprain, but it sounds like he may return to practice following the Bengals' Week 10 bye. Taylor said the team will "get a feel" for Reader's status during the bye and added that the defensive tackle's progress has "been really positive" so far.

Bengals' coach Zac Taylor said that Reader (knee) won't be ready to return Monday night against the Browns, Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hobson suggested the Bengals will likely hold out Reader until after they return from their bye week, November 20th against the Steelers.

The Bengals placed Reader (knee) on injured reserve Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Reader is dealing with an MCL injury in his left knee and is facing approximately a six-week recovery timetable, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports. Cincinnati will hope Reader makes a full return down the stretch, but in the meantime rookie Zachary Carter should be primed for an increased role.

Reader (knee) is expected to miss an extended period of time but won't be ruled out for the remainder of the season, Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Reader suffered the injury in the first half of the team's win over the Jets on Sunday and was unable to return to the contest. The extent of the issue remains unclear, but it appears like the Bengals will be without their top defensive tackle for the foreseeable future. In his absence, rookie Zachary Carter could garner an increased role moving forward.

Reader (knee) was a DNP in the Bengals' estimated practice report Monday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Reader suffered the injury in the first half of the team's 27-12 win over the Jets on Sunday. He was unable to return, despite walking off the field under his own power. His estimated inability to practice today is magnified by the team's short week, and showdown with the Dolphins on Thursday. If Reader is unable to play, it'll be a blow to the team's defensive line, but will also lead to extra opportunities for rookie Zachary Carter.

Readers (knee) is ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Jets, Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Reader went down with a knee injury after making a tackle in the first half against the Jets, though he was ultimately able to walk off under his own power, per Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer. The starting defensive tackle recorded eight tackles (seven solo) over the first two games this season, and his absence will mark a substantial blow for the Bengals' defense. As a result, expect Josh Tupou to step up into a larger role against the Jets.

Reader (coach's decision) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Browns, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Reader returned from the reserve/COVID-19 list, but he didn't travel with the team ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Browns since the Bengals will be resting several starters ahead of the playoffs. Across 15 appearances in the regular season, he totaled 43 tackles (22 solo) and two sacks.

Reader (illness) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Reader tested positive for the virus over the weekend but has cleared the health and safety protocols over the next few days. He should return to his starting role at defensive tackle for Cincinnati in Week 17 now that he's available.