Zac Taylor gives update on D.J. Reader and Joe Mixon’s status ahead of Bengals v. Dolphins

The injury status of two key Cincinnati Bengals starters was updated Monday after team decision-makers collected more information on defensive tackle D.J. Reader and running back Joe Mixon.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said they are still “gathering more information” on Reader’s knee injury, which was sustained during Sunday's 27-12 win over the New York Jets. Reader left the Bengals’ game in the first half but was able to walk off the field on his own power with the training staff. He spent the second half of the game in the locker room staying off his knee.

When asked following the game in the locker room if he would be able to play on Thursday against the Dolphins, Reader said “we’ll see.”

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If the Bengals are unable to get Reader back in time for Thursday’s game, it will be a huge blow to Cincinnati’s defense. Reader arguably has been the Bengals’ defensive MVP and is playing as one of the league’s best nose tackles.

As for Mixon’s injury, Taylor said his Pro Bowl running back will be good to go. Mixon was dealing with a sore ankle in the final quarter of the win over the Jets so the Bengals opted to use running back Samaje Perine in place of him.

“He'll be good," Taylor said.

The Bengals are hoping the run game will start clicking with Mixon soon. The offensive is only averaging 97.0 yards per game on the ground, good for 19th in the league.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Zac Taylor provides injury update on D.J. Reader and Joe Mixon