clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

ESPN: Bengals Linebacker Vontaze Burfict Starting Against The Browns

By Josh Kirkendall
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 30: Vontaze Burfict #55 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates a sack during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 30, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 30: Vontaze Burfict #55 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates a sack during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 30, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Getty Images

With Thomas Howard tearing an ACL in his knee during practice on Thursday, it left the position open for someone else. Naturally people would think Vincent Rey, who is listed as Howard's backup on the team's depth chart. However Dan Skuta, naturally stronger against the run, has the experience. Roddrick Muckelroy rejoined the team on Friday (or Thursday night) but might not be ready.

How about neither.

According to ESPN Senior Writer Alyssa Roenigk, Bengals backup middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict will get the start, which she confirmed through Burfict -- and retweeted by Burfict on his tweeter account.

Take note about one thing. No one is pointing out where Burfict would start, if he's indeed starting. It's been well documented that Maualuga didn't perform well, though we don't see the Bengals replacing him right now. Perhaps Manny Lawson works the weakside with Burfict working SAM during base formations.

More From Cincy Jungle