Vontaze Burfict not at Bengals practice; Andrew Whitworth takes veteran's rest day

Coming off the bye week, the Bengals will likely have everyone on the 53-man roster healthy enough to play in Sunday's AFC North clash with the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

That's not the case though with players on the PUP list, specifically Vontaze Burfict. Remaining on the PUP list and remaining only on the rehab field on Monday in street clothes, Burfict was also not practicing today and wasn't even present at Paul Brown Stadium. Per a Tweet he sent out last night, it appears he is in California, potentially getting evaluated by a doctor to determine his return.

This obviously doesn't bode well for Burfict's  chances of returning Sunday at Pittsburgh. Frankly, it probably wouldn't be smart to have him return either. Burfict has not gotten a fully-padded practice in since October 2014, so even if he returns to fully practice Thursday and Friday, it's hard to see two sessions being enough for him to truly be game-ready. His playing on Sunday (or at any point) would also mean a current member of the team would need to be released.

As for the rest of the Bengals, offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth got his typical Wednesday veteran's day of rest. Among the notable players dealing with bumps and bruises who did practice Wednesday was defensive end Michael Johnson. He suffered a bone bruise on his leg during the Bengals' win over the Bills in Week 6. He also practiced during Monday's session coming off the bye week. Having him against a high-powered Steelers' offense could be the key to beating them after it was Pittsburgh who swept the series last year.

Also practicing Wednesday was starting weakside linebacker Vincent Rey. He left in the third quarter of the Bills game with an ankle injury that kept him from returning to the game. Rey also practiced Monday, so he looks good to go against the Steelers.

As for offensive lineman Cedric Ogbuehi who is currently on the Non-Football Injury list, the rookie said today he's ready to practice once given the green light:

Before practice no sign of Tez in locker room. Ced says he's ready to practice, just waiting on word

— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) October 28, 2015

Here's a video from practice, via Jay Morrison:

#Bengals practicing in stadium today instead of wet practice field. No sign of Burfict. pic.twitter.com/J3fVQmv7xQ

— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) October 28, 2015