Vontaze Burfict, Margus Hunt out Friday; Unlikely for Bengals vs. Buccaneers

The Cincinnati Bengals held their final pre-Buccaneers practice Friday, and they were once again without Vontaze Burfict and Margus Hunt, meaning those two are effectively 'out' when the team travels to Tampa Bay.

Burfict, still recovering from a knee scope in Week 9, was never really expected to practice or play this week as the team is trying to to get to Week 14 before allowing him to even practice. Burfict has battled two concussions and a separate head/neck injury that cost him much of the first half of the season. Cincinnati needs him at 100% and ready to play every down of the final four games if they hope to win the division.

As for Hunt, his loss is less painful with rookie defensive end Will Clarke playing more snaps now. Still, this has been a disappointing season for Hunt after he was expected to replace the departed Michael Johnson, but has only been a rotational lineman before suffering an ankle injury in Week 11. It is worth noting Hunt was no longer in a walking boot, signaling he could be set to return next week vs. the Steelers.