Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict returns to practice after concussion
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict returned to practice on Wednesday, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Burfict has missed the last two games after sustaining his second concussion of the season against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2. He missed Cincinnati's Week 3 game against the Tennessee Titans and the team's game last Sunday against the New England Patriots, despite head coach Marvin Lewis saying the previous Monday that he expected Burfict to return.
The third-year pro suffered his first concussion in the Bengals' season opener against the Baltimore Ravens but played against the Falcons a week later.
Burfict, 24, led the NFL in tackles last season (177) and made his first Pro Bowl. He signed a three-year extension with the Bengals in late August.
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Though he returned to practice, Burfict will still have to be cleared by an independent neurologist before Sunday's game in order to be cleared to play per the NFL's concussion protocol.
Also at Wednesday's practice, wide receiver A.J. Greenappeared to re-aggravate a toe injury and was carted off the field.
Cincinnati is 3-1 this season and in first place in the AFC North. The team hosts the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
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Ben Estes
