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According to Bengals.com, Vontaze Burfict is believed to be dealing with a tight hamstring, while Christian Westerman is battling a virus.
Neither issue sounds serious, so it may be a matter of days until both are cleared and back on the practice field. Burfict will open the season on a four-game suspension for a PED violation, so there’s no reason to risk further injury to any minor issue he may have.
As for Westerman, he’s competing for the starting right guard spot, so he can’t afford to miss much practice time.
The Bengals will have a number of players unable to practice when training camp opens today, and they’ve also signed a new wide receiver.
On Thursday, the team announced it had signed undrafted free agent wide receiver Jared Murphy. The team has also placed offensive tackle Javarius Leamon on the Reserve/Did Not Report list.
Murphy (5’9”, 174 pounds) played in 52 games (30 starts) during five seasons at Miami (Ohio), recording 149 catches for 2,083 yards and 13 touchdowns. He participated in the Bengals’ rookie minicamp in May as a tryout player.
Leamon was a first-year player who spent time on both the Bengals’ practice squad and the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad last season as a rookie.
Also today, the Bengals made seven moves related to injuries and illnesses:
Sixth-year tight end Tyler Eifert, wide receiver Devonte Boyd and cornerback Davontae Harris were placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list.
Seventh-year linebacker Vontaze Burfict and fifth-year fullback Ryan Hewitt were placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list.
Burfict’s injury is not thought to be serious and shouldn’t sideline him for long, according to reports.
Third-year guard Christian Westerman and safety Tyrice Beverette were placed on the Active/Non-Football Illness list.
All seven of the players moved to the active injury/illness lists noted above will continue to count against the team’s roster limit and can be activated to practice as soon as they are cleared medically.