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The Cincinnati Bengals may have to go without Vontaze Burfict against the Tennessee Titans this week. The Pro Bowl linebacker suffered another concussion Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, one week after his first against the Baltimore Ravens.
Burfict is now going through the NFL's concussion protocol again, and must pass all concussion testing before he can be cleared to practice or play in a game.
The Bengals would be wise to sit Burfict Sunday, even if he is cleared. Letting him play and potentially suffer another concussion could severely compromise his long-term health, and jeopardize his 2014 season.
After not practicing Friday, that looks to be the case, though Marvin Lewis isn't ready to rule Tex out just yet.
No Burfict at practice for third straight day. Have to assume he won’t play Sunday.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 19, 2014
Marvin Lewis only says that Vontaze Burfict has to go through the concussion protocol. Did offer "he's doing better."
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 19, 2014
The Titans will by no means be an easy opponent, but they're not exactly world beaters either. Cincinnati can win without Burfict this week. With the Bye Week coming Week 4, Tez would likely be back Week 5 against the New England Patriots.