Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict returns from a three-game suspension tonight versus the Miami Dolphins, which airs exclusively on NFL Network.
Speaking on SiriusXM NFL Radio on Thursday morning, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said he's not sure how many snaps Burfict would get in his return, but that he's "raring to go."
"We'd have to lock him in a trunk if he didn't play, so yeah, Vontaze will play tonight," Lewis said. "He's ready to go."
The Bengals got gashed on the ground the first two weeks of the season, before stacking the box in Week 3 and holding C.J. Anderson to 37 yards on 14 carries. The rangy linebacker has been key for Cincinnati's run defense over the past two years. Since 2014 the Bengals have given up 15.5 fewer rush yards per game and 3.3 fewer points per contest with Burfict in the lineup.
"He raises the level of everyone in the huddle and on the team," Lewis said.
Burfict's manic style of play fuels the Bengals' defense. It's also what led to his three-game suspension. Hopefully, the 26-year-old tackling machine has learned to play with the same unhinged attitude but within the rules. Otherwise, more suspensions are sure to follow.
