Cincinnati Bengals’ starting linebacker Vontaze Burfict is facing a five-game suspension for an “illegal hit” against Kansas City Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman from the second preseason game this year.
Burfict is appealing the unprecedented suspension, which would cause him to miss the first five games of the 2017 NFL season, if upheld.
The Bengals play the Ravens, Texans, Packers, Browns and Bills in the first five weeks of the 2017 NFL season. The Bengals then have a Week 6 bye before playing the Steelers in Week 7.