Bengals taking their time with Burfict

[Arkansas Bengal]

Bengals taking their time with Burfict

 

Kevin Goheen FOX Sports Ohio

NOV 27, 2014 2:10p ET

 

Pat Lovell / USA TODAY Sports

Burfict hasn't played since the 27-24 win against Baltimore on Oct. 26 when he made seven tackles.

 

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals are giving linebacker Vontaze Burfict all the time he requires to recover from arthroscopic knee surgery. If he needs a little extra time to ensure he's available for a crucial stretch run, they're going to give him that as well.

Burfict once again didn't practice on Thursday as the Bengals prepare for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay. It will be their third consecutive road game after wins at New Orleans and Houston the past two Sundays. A win against the Buccaneers (2-9) would mark the first time in franchise history a team has won three straight on the road in three straight weeks. More importantly, it would keep the Bengals (7-3-1) in first place in the AFC North ahead of Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Baltimore, which are all 7-4.

Burfict hasn't played since the 27-24 win against Baltimore on Oct. 26 when he made seven tackles. He had surgery three days later and has been steadily working his way back. But they're not going to rush him. He's only played five games this season due to concussions and a neck strain. The Bengals want Burfict to be as healthy and able to play as possible before putting him back on the field.

"He continues to get closer to being able to practice and we'll see if we can get some practice out of him at some later in this week," said head coach Marvin Lewis on Wednesday.

Following Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, the Bengals close up the regular season with a December that features Pittsburgh at home, Cleveland on the road, Denver at home on Dec. 22 for a Monday Night Football matchup and then the finale at Heinz Field against the Stealers on Dec. 28.

The Bengals have been dealing with some sickness in the locker room the past couple of days. Long snapper Clark Harris and wide receiver Mohamed Sanu didn't practice on Wednesday because of illness but returned on Thursday. Linebacker Nico Johnson and wide receiver Greg Little were out on Thursday because of illness.

Left tackle Andrew Whitworth received his customary veteran rest day on Thursday but is expected to be back at practice on Friday and start on Sunday.

 

Defensive lineman Margus Hunt is expected to miss his second game in a row with an ankle injury. He suffered the injury at New Orleans two weeks ago and has not practiced since. Rookie Will Clarke has been on the active roster the past two games.

Safety George Iloka (groin) and defensive end Robert Geathers (toe) were limited in Thursday's practice. That's the same status Iloka had on Wednesday, while Geathers did not practice the previous day.

Cornerback Adam Jones (tooth) and offensive lineman Mike Pollak (knee) also returned to full practice participation on Thursday after missing Wednesday's team workouts.

 

http://www.foxsports.com/ohio/story/cincinnati-bengals-vontaze-burfict-injury-marvin-lewis-112714