Monday Night Football player to watch: Vontaze Burfict
By Jason Marcum
The Cincinnati Bengals’ thin linebacking corps will likely avoid becoming razor-thin vs the Pittsburgh Steelers, as starting linebacker Vontaze Burfict had full-participation in the team’s final practice today before their Monday night showdown vs their AFC North rivals. Burfict told reporters on Thursday afternoon that he would be good to go Monday, and it looks as though he’ll stay true to his word.
Burfict is still suffering from Sunday’s lower leg injury he suffered on what looked like an illegal low-tackle by Chicago Bears tight end Kyle Adams.
That game saw Burfict post a team-high eight tackles and an interception after leading the team in tackles last year as an undrafted rookie out of Arizona State. He’s viewed as the team’s best linebacker, and losing him would leave a significant hole in the Bengals defense.
Look for the struggling Steelers offense to test him early tonight as they look to find any kind of advantage against a stout Bengals defense. If his injury hinders him, the Steelers should be able to move the ball far-more effectively than last week.