Carlos Dunlap, Rey Maualuga, Travelle Wharton All Injured In Bengals Preseason Opener

One reason preseason football gets a lukewarm reception from fans, players and coaches is the additional risk for injury when the games count for nothing. The Cincinnati Bengals are getting hit hard with injuries, having lost three players already in the first four minutes of their game against the New York Jets.

Defensive end Carlos Dunlap hit the ground grabbing his knee. He laid there for a time before walking off the field under his own power, a good sign. You can see Dunlap go down in the GIF below:

Offensive lineman Travelle Wharton also went down, leaving the game. He went down on the third offensive play of the game. Wharton was signed as a free agent during the offseason to beef up the offensive line.

Middle linebacker Rey Maualuga also had what looked like a knee injury that forced him out of the game.

Update: Rey Maualuga and Carlos Dunlap have right knee injuries. Both of their returns are doubtful.

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 10, 2012

The seriousness of all three injuries is unknown at this time.

For more on the Bengals, check out Cincy Jungle.