Bengals DE Hubbard injures knee on TD catch

Sam Hubbard, one of the Cincinnati Bengals‘ key defensive players, was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans after injuring his right knee on his first career reception — a 2-yard touchdown catch in the first half.

Hubbard, who is the longest-tenured player on the roster and the team’s starting defensive end, was immediately ruled out after his contested catch on third-and-goal from the 2-yard line helped tied the score at 14.

It was the first receiving touchdown by a Bengals player in the history of the franchise.

Hubbard, who has been battling a hamstring injury throughout this season, returned to the locker room during Cincinnati’s final possession of the first half. He has started all 14 games this season.

He is the only player on the roster who predates the arrival of head coach Zac Taylor, who was hired in 2019. Coming into Sunday’s game, Hubbard had 24 tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble.