Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle D’Ante Smith suffered a patella tendon injury on Thursday and is expected to miss the season, according to an ESPN report on Friday.
Smith was carted off the field after sustaining the injury during the Bengals’ joint practice with the Chicago Bears.
Earlier in the same practice, Bengals running back Chris Evans, a fourth-year veteran, also tore his patella tendon and will be sidelined for the season.
Smith, 26, has played in three regular-season games for Cincinnati, including one start. The Bengals drafted him out of East Carolina in the fourth round of the 2021 draft.
Although Smith was active for eight games last season, he didn’t see any playing time. His last appearance was in the 2023 AFC Championship Game, according to the team’s website.
Cincinnati’s offensive line depth was already a concern, with rookie first-rounder Amarius Mims out for several weeks due to a strained pectoral muscle.
The Bengals are set to continue their preseason schedule against the Bears in Chicago on Saturday.
