Vontaze Burfict not expected to return this week; Unlikely to play vs. Saints

The Bengals are still dealing with several key injuries ahead of their matchup with the saints in Week 11. When Cincinnati travels to New Orleans this weekend, they may do so without several starters, including Pro Bowl linebacker Vontaze Burfict.

After undergoing a knee scope in Week 8, Burfict has missed the previous two games while recovering from the procedure. Head coach Marvin Lewis said Wednesday he doesn't think Burfict will be able to practice this week, meaning he will likely miss Sunday's game at New Orleans.

This has been a year to forget for Burfict, who essentially missed three games with a concussion. He missed the second halves of both the Week 1 and 2 wins over the Ravens and Falcons before missing the Patriots and Titans games.

If Burfict doesn't play Sunday, which now seems likely, he'll have missed almost six games. That will leave Vincent Rey to start as weakside linebacker.