The Bengals' defensive line, which has struggled the past two games after playing well in the first two, got some bad news Monday.

        Tackle Tony Williams will miss at least four weeks with a right foot sprain. Williams, signed as a free agent in the offseason, has been responsible for increasing the pressure the line has put on opposing quarterbacks.

        X-rays on Williams' injured right foot during Sunday's game at Pittsburgh were negative, so he returned to the game.

        When he reported for work Monday morning, his showed significant increases in pain and swelling.

        “He was almost hopping because he couldn't put any weight on it,” Bengals trainer Paul Sparling said.

        The X-rays showed no fracture, but the mid-foot sprain is serious enough to sideline cornerbacks and quarterbacks for a whole season. Chances are Williams, as a defensive lineman, could return. The injury is at the top of Williams' right foot, directly beneath where he laces his shoes.

        No surgery is needed at this time. Williams' foot will be placed in a cast today.

        Williams and fellow tackle Oliver Gibson have played well together this season.

        “It's not the news we wanted to hear,” defensive coordinator Mark Duffner said. “He has great intensity and toughness.”

        Glen Steele and Bernard Whittington, who can play end and tackle, will get more playing time with Williams out.

        With Whittington possibly moving to tackle, rookie end Justin Smith figures to get even more time in rotation with Vaughn Booker and Reinard Wilson.

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