Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict appeared to be up to some of his old tricks in Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he is not expected to add to his impressive total of games he has been suspended for.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Burfict is unlikely to be suspended for his hit on Antonio Brown, but the league will review his actions on that play and some others for a possible fine.
#Bengals oft-suspended LB Vontaze Burfict is not expected to be suspended for his actions on Sunday, but I’m told there are several plays that will be reviewed for a potential fine. Presumably, one is an elbow to @AB84’s head.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 15, 2018
Burfict delivered a hit to Brown’s head and neck area on Sunday after the star wide receiver had already been wrapped up, though no flag was thrown. Brown was shaken up on the play and left the field, but he was able to return a short time after.
#Bengals dirty LB Vontaze Burfict, who is just coming off a suspension, with a late hit to @AB84 Antonio Brown's helmet. pic.twitter.com/QSiCg79IQf
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 14, 2018
Burfict has a long history of being fined and suspended for illegal hits, and the Steelers have tried to return the favor in the past. While his latest hit on Brown was not nearly as egregious as some of the plays we have seen from the linebacker in the past, you can understand why he doesn’t get the benefit of the doubt.
