Bengals missing several veterans at bye week practice; Vontaze Burfict not present

The Bengals are one of the NFL's last undefeated teams left as they head into their bye week.

Before they get some much-needed rest and relaxation, they hit the field for a Tuesday practice session to keep somewhat fresh as they won't play another game for almost two full weeks. However, there were some notable players sitting this session out, some for rest, and some because they're banged up and need several days off.

Among those sitting on Wednesday was defensive end Michael Johnson. He left in the fourth quarter of Sunday's win in Buffalo with what looked like a serious leg injury as trainers had to help him off the field. It was later revealed to be a bone bruise on his lower left leg that shouldn't keep him out too long, and Marvin Lewis has expressed optimism that he will be able to play in Week 8 at Pittsburgh.

Also injured Sunday was linebacker Vinny Rey, who left in the third quarter with an ankle injury that kept him from returning to the game, though he was seen on the sideline later on in the game. His injury, if serious, would be greatly magnified with Vontaze Burfict's status unknown.

Burfict was not present for Tuesday's session, which is notable since Cedric Ogbuehi was at least on the rehab field. With the Bengals having the rest of the week off, Burfict and Ogbuehi were already not expected to be activated this week. That doesn't mean they won't play in Week 8, though it's highly unlikely Ogbuehi will be moved off the PUP list in the next two weeks.

Also sitting out during this practice was starting cornerback Leon Hall. A back injury kept Hall out of Sunday's win over the Bills, but it shouldn't be serious enough that he wouldn't play at Pittsburgh coming off a bye week. There was talk that Hall would be playing against the Bills, and he likely just needed a few extra days of rest.

Defensive tackle Domata Peko also sat out Tuesday. It was unclear if this was a veteran's rest day or if he is dealing with an injury. He didn't appear on the team's injury report last week. It's worth noting that Peko, Hall and Rey were present for practice, but just didn't participate in it, whereas Johnson wasn't in attendance at the session, per reporters on the field.

The Bengals will be off from Wednesday to Sunday and many players will be returning home to see their family and friends.