Antwan Odom, Bengals defensive end, has a severely injured Achilles tendon. Cincinnati has lost their best pass rusher for an indefinite period of time.

Odom had been the league’s co-leader in sacks with eight when he sustained his injury in the first quarter of the Bengals loss to Houston 28-17 on Sunday. Marvin Lewis, Bengals head coach, said after the game that the injury was probably severe, but that tests would be needed to determine the extent of the injury.

During training camp Reggie Kelly, the Bengals starting tight end, also suffered a tear to his Achilles tendon. Kelly had surgery and will miss the entire season.

During the first quarter of Sunday’s game Domata Peko, starting defensive tackle, sustained a knee injury and did not return the game, leaving the defensive line depleted.

Lineman Tank Johnson, said we definitely were under manned big time. That’s the game.

During the Bengals’ 4-1 start Odom had been their best defensive player. In Cincinnati’s second game he had five sacks in the win over Green Bay, tying a franchise record. In Sunday’s game he broke into the backfield, blocking a field goal attempt of 28 yards from Kris Brown during the opening drive for the Texans.

On the next series, Odom was injured on a 12 yard pass for a touchdown from Matt Schaub to Owen Daniels. He was blocked while he was trying to reach Schaub and remained on his back after the play in pain. After looking at his right leg the medical staff had a cart brought in to carry him off of the field.

Following the 2007 season, Odom was the top defensive signing for Cincinnati. The former Tennessee free agent signed a five year contract worth $29.5 million, with $11.5 million guaranteed. But things have not gone very well for Odom in Cincinnati.

Last year he suffered a severe sprain to his left foot in the first practice of training camp. The injury continued to linger into the regular season. Last season he also sustained a shoulder injury which kept him out of four games during Cincinnati’s 4-11-1 season. He finished the year with just three sacks.

Carson Palmer, Bengals quarterback, said injuries to the defensive line had made an impact.

He said, it hurts losing Antwan Odom. He is a big pass rusher. We also didn’t have some of our other key guys. It made it tough.