The Cincinnati Bengals will get start linebacker Vontaze Burfict on the field much sooner than anticipated once the regular season starts. Originally suspended five games for this illegal hit on Kansas City Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman, Burfict’s suspension has reportedly been reduced to three games.
Breaking: I'm told that Vontaze Burfict's 5-game suspension has been reduced to three games, per source. #Bengals
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 30, 2017
It’s not yet known whether this decision will impact Burfict when it comes to potential further litigation. The former Pro Bowl linebacker has a history of on-field incidents since entering the league back in 2012. This leads us to believe that Burfict should take the reduced suspension and run with it.
Getting their best defensive player back in the mix two games earlier than expected is going to be huge for a Bengals team that’s looking to return to the playoffs after a one-year hiatus.
Burfict, 26, recorded 101 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble for Cincinnati last season.