Paul Guenther on Vontaze Burfict: He's very focused and determined

After listening intently and reading with the eyes of an Eagle on a hunt, we've concluded that there's nothing to worry about. Don't worry, everything is fine. Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict will be ready for training camp. And folks, there's a hidden prize behind THAT door.. Let's placate your palette of delicious sweetness and add that there's a chance -- probably minute, yet conceivable -- that Burfict could participate during minicamp this summer.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Paul Guenther chatted with his all-star linebacker recently and expresses confidence that Burfict has the right frame of mind to work through his latest challenge.

Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther spoke with Burfict last week and is encouraged by how he sounds. Guenther said he felt like he was talking to that extremely resolved undrafted rookie of 2012.

"Oh yeah. That’s what he sounded like," Guenther said. "Very focused. Very determined. He really sounded great. Best frame of mind he’s had."

Burfict, who eats challenges like Pacman (not Jones) eats little white dots, underwent microfracture surgery recently to repair an issue with his knee. After feeling "something" swimming around in his knee following the Bengals win over the Ravens last October, Burfict had arthroscopic surgery. He was only supposed to miss two weeks. He was placed on season ending injured reserve six weeks later.

"I don't see any reason, if this thing heals like we want and we think it will, why he won't be back like he was," said Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a member of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Board of Directors, via the NFL Network. "Microfracture has a bad connotation, but there are plenty of guys who have come back and been able to play like before. But it's not really news when it works out."

Everything is just fine.