Wide receiver Carl Pickens' season-ending torn groin muscle is serious enough to warrant putting him on injured reserve. But the Bengals won't do it until next week at the earliest because they don't need the roster spot.
Bengals President and General Manager Mike Brown said Tuesday the pull has been classified as a second-degree strain because doctors can feel the tear, meaning Pickens would be out at least six weeks.
''There's no question he'll recover in time for next season, but it's a long-term injury,'' Brown said. ''We'll keep him on the roster, and we'd only move him before this week's game if we needed (a roster spot) later in the week.''
Brown said it's time for Darnay Scott to step up. Earlier this season, Scott turned down $2 million per year in a multiyear offer because he wanted No. 1 receiver money, but has been a disappointment with just 32 catches and several drops.
''Darnay has to carry more of the load,'' Brown said. ''He has shown he can be exciting and a more than capable receiver. He has the ability; he just hasn't made as many big plays as he has in the past.
"This is an opportunity for him to show what he can do.''
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