Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Thompson return to practice

After taking a momentary break on Wednesday from the physical pounding against the Baltimore Ravens last week, Bengals starting linebacker Vontaze Burfict and defensive tackle Brandon Thompson returned to practice on Thursday. The teams official injury report listed a knee for Burfict and ankle for Thompson. They were joined by starting center Kyle Cook, who sat during Wednesday's practice with a shoulder.

Kevin Zeitler (foot), who remained in a boot and crutches on Wednesday, sat out on Thursday and seems unlikely against the Cleveland Browns this Sunday. It wouldn't be unheard of if he sheds the boot and crutches for Friday's session with a questionable status. However, it appears highly probable that Zeitler is replaced by Mike Pollak or even Tanner Hawkinson, allowing the starting right guard to continue rehabilitation this week and during next week's bye.

Safety Chris Crocker is sitting out for a consecutive practice with a hamstring while linebacker Rey Maualua and defensive tackle Devon Still continue rehabilitation efforts with a knee and elbow respectively. Their return appears more likely after the Bye Week.