Bengals Bytes (10/4): Friendly jab

Cincinnati Bengals get Vontaze Burfict back at the right time

Vontaze Burfict helped a Bengals team that was struggling vs. the run clamp down in his return in Week 3, and they'll need more of the same Sunday. Burfict, who returned from a three-game suspension prior to the Bengals' win against the Dolphins last week, made a key difference in the team's run defense last season. His teammate Carlos Dunlap said there's a different tone when Burfict is in the game.

Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict takes playful jab at rookie Dak Prescott

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict was in a playful mood on Monday morning. He couldn't resist a little jab at Cowboys rookie quarterback Dak Prescott.

Tez, backers brace for rookie combo

Bengals linebackers coach Jim Haslett solved the Great Tez Snaps Mystery Monday when he confirmed that Vontaze Burfict played 37 of the defense’s 45 snaps in his season debut last Thursday night. There were varying numbers out there, such as 27 and 34. But whatever it was, it was more than any of his linebackers in a rotation he used Karlos Dansby and Vincent Rey primarily on third down and Burfict, Dansby, and middle linebacker Rey Maualuga on pretty much the rest.

Walkthru: Projecting possible Bengals records

A look at records the Bengals are on pace to set -- both good and bad -- through four weeks, plus, Eifert on Beyond The Stripes, run game development, Nelson with an assist and Peko at FC Cincinnati.

Bengals' run game trying to find traction

A quarter of the season is in the books, and the Bengals have struggled running the ball. But inside the numbers, there are positives the team sees that could lead to a break out.

AFC North Bytes

Steelers Get Weapons Back, Beat Chiefs Sunday Night

With a full complement of weapons on offense, and an increasing comfort with a young defense, the Steelers showed their true colors in Sunday night’s blowout of the Chiefs. And in doing so they showed why they’re still a popular Super Bowl pick.

Ravens Fan In Critical Condition After Fight With Raiders Fans

Joseph Bauer, a 55-year-old Ravens fan from the Baltimore suburb of Jessup, is in critical condition at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center after he sustained a head injury during a fight with a pair of Raiders fans at the Ravens Stadium this weekend. The Baltimore Sun first reported on this story, and according to their report, Scott Smith and Andrew Nappi were each charged with first- and second-degree assault for their role in the fight.

#HeyTony: If the Browns entertain trade offers for Joe Thomas, what should they ask in return?

The Browns turned down a trade offer from the Broncos last year that reportedly included a second-round pick and either a player or another future pick. If trade activity heats up prior to the Nov. 1 deadline this year, the Browns should hold out for a first-round pick.

Bud Dupree Injury: Updates on Steelers LB's Recovery from Abdominal Surgery

The Pittsburgh Steelers placed linebacker Bud Dupree on the injured reserve list with an abdominal injury that required surgery. It is uncertain when he will return to action.

Random Bytes

Skol, Vikings: Meet the Team That Keeps Losing Stars and Keeps Getting Scarier

Terence Newman has a question that must be answered. At a spry 38 years young, he's the second-oldest non-kicker in the NFL. He's also a hairline connoisseur. Five years ago, the Vikings cornerback Bic'd his head for good. So after Newman shreds this visiting reporter for clinging onto loose strands—"Let it go, man! L-I-G! Let it go!"—he naturally moves on to LeBron James.

Nigel Bradham Was Arrested on a Weapons Charge

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nigel Bradham spent his bye week in jail after he was arrested on a concealed weapons charge. Here's what we know ... the 27-year-old linebacker was popped in Miami on Sunday. He was hauled to a nearby station where he was booked for a 2nd degree misdemeanor concealed weapons charge.

Doc: One loss doesn’t take away what was achieved

Players walked purposefully around the field (OK, the pitch), clapping for the fans who had remained. Ten minutes after Futbol Club Cincinnati finished its last game of its first season, a dozen players circled the horseshoe of Nippert Stadium, faced the stands and applauded.

Week 4 reset: Vikings are here to stay at quarter mark

My favorite new weekly show this Fall television season: "The Vikings embarrass a superstar." Odell Beckham's no-show in the second half of Minnesota's thorough 24-10 takedown of the Giants on Monday night was only the latest episode to showcase great players suffering career worst performances.

Fisher's Rams aren't blowing their own horns after 3-1 start

With a powerful defense leading an offense that's doing just enough to win, the Los Angeles Rams are off to a 3-1 start in their homecoming season. They aren't blowing their own horns just yet, however.

Monday Morning Digest: Panthers, Cardinals, Jets in Trouble While Falcons Fly

Let's be blunt: This was not the greatest Sunday of football in NFL history. It's no fun seeing Cam Newton and Carson Palmer get knocked out of games. Only a diehard Bills fan or a Ryan twin wants to see a third-string quarterback with a hand injury stumble around for the Patriots while Tom Brady twiddles his thumbs and waits to get out of Roger Goodell's thinking chair.

Injuries: Ertz medically cleared to return to Eagles

Carson Wentz might be coming back from the bye with reinforcements. Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz told reporters Monday he has been medically cleared to return to the team after suffering a displaced rib in their Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Ertz had six catches for 58 yards in that contest, which he made it through even after suffering the injury.