DETROIT -- Cincinnati Bengals rookie running back Kenny Irons will miss the entire 2007 season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Thursday night's preseason game at Detroit.
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said Thursday the Bengals' medical staff anticipates a full recovery for Irons, and that Irons will be ready to participate in next spring's minicamps and OTA practices.
Irons, the team's second-round pick in the 2007 draft out of Auburn, was injured when his foot appeared to get caught up in the artificial turf while making a stutter-step move during the second quarter. Irons was taken to the locker room on a cart after hobbling off the field. Injuries limited Irons to 893 yards last season after he ran for a Southeastern Conference-high average of 108 yards per game in 2005.
Irons had four carries for 17 yards, including an 11-yard gain, after replacing starter Rudi Johnson in the exhibition opener for both teams.
Cincinnati is already without one of its reserve running backs, Chris Perry, who is still trying to come back after breaking his leg last season. Kenny Watson and Quincy Wilson shared the carries after Irons left the game.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
