Vontaze Burfict and Domata Peko not practicing Wednesday

The Bengals will be without two key defensive starters when they hit the field Wednesday for their first pre-Steelers practice. Head coach Marvin Lewis announced earlier this morning that Pro Bowl linebacker Vontaze Burfict will not practice today while he continues to recover from a knee scope performed five weeks ago.

It's safe to assume Burfict is doubtful to play this week, and there's really no telling when he'll be back. He's still got a minor limp and discomfort in the knee, and there's no reason to expect him back this week.

As for nose tackle Domata Peko, he told the media this morning he won't practice today wither after suffering a hyperextended elbow in Week 13 vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The injury forced him to sit in the second half of the Bengals' Week 13 win. He played 13 snaps on defense Sunday and was replaced by Brandon Thompson.