Wide receiver Carl Pickens, the Bengals' lone Pro Bowler, could be out for the rest of the season with a strained groin.
A magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI) is set for today to determine the severity of the injury that occurred on Cincinnati's second series in Sunday's 31-26 victory over the Jaguars.
Bengals trainer Paul Sparling said Pickens is doubtful for next week's game in Philadelphia and said the injury appeared to happen after the play that kept Cincinnati's second touchdown drive alive.
Asked if it could be season-ending, Sparling said, ''There is concern this could be a significant injury.''
Pickens, who caught three passes for 33 yards in the first drive, converted a third-and-1 from the Jacksonville 11 when he caught a quick two-yarder from quarterback Boomer Esiason. Linebacker Kevin Hardy and cornerback Dave Thomas put the immediate hit on him.
''It happened on that play where (Pickens) squatted down,'' Sparling said. ''After the play, evidently someone leaned on his back and pushed him forward with his legs spread.''
The Bengals adjusted by putting David Dunn and James Hundon in Pickens' split end spot.
Dunn didn't have a catch, but Esiason praised the work of Hundon, saying he can't remember Hundon ever playing Pickens' position. Hundon had three catches for 25 yards, the last a sliding six-yarder on third-and-4 just before the two-minute warning that forced the Jaguars to call their final timeout.
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Esiason shows Blake power of suggestion
Family shares Boomer's big day
Defense bends but doesn't break
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