The kids who grew up playing football with Vontaze Burfict might have seen this coming. Middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict will not return to the Raiders this season. It helps that he'll be reunited with defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, but there's no guarantee Burfict wins a starting job or even lands on the 53-man roster. While he doesn't have much fantasy aptitude, Burfict will continue working as the team's starting middle linebacker. Although coach Jon Gruden said Burfict was "a little bit" banged up after Monday's win over the Broncos, it won't affect the veteran linebacker moving forward. Burfict (elbow) returned to Sunday's game against Minnesota, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, this is the longest suspension for an on-field act in NFL history. Assuming he can bounce back from last year's repeated struggles with concussions, Burfict will have a decent chance to earn a starting job given the lack of defensive talent in Oakland. He does not deserve to keep playing in the NFL.The Oakland Raiders linebacker … September 29, 2019 2:35 pm Vontaze Burfict will never change. Burfict added to his long history of dirty plays with a helmet-to-helmet hit on tight end Jack Doyle during Sunday's 31-24 win over the Colts. Plus, Burfict did play decently well during the several games he played for the Raiders in 2019. Burfict has shown no interest or ability in altering his style of play, either, and it’s doubtful this latest punishment will change that. Another in a series of incidents that have been a major part of the the linebacker’s life and career. "It's going to be hard," Lewis said when asked about Burfict's chances at playing in the NFL, via The Athletic's Doug Haller. Last week was a tough week for me since I … The Oakland Raiders’ Vontaze Burfict was suspended for the season Monday after his cheap shot on the Indianapolis Colts’ Jack Doyle Sunday. "He's a great person, his heart is broken because he's not playing football. He'll do anything for anybody. Released by Cincinnati on Monday, the 28-year-old linebacker quickly lined up a potential reunion with Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, who held the same position in Cincinnati from 2014 to 2017. Burfict (elbow/knee/shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Prior to his junior season, Burfict was regarded as one of the best linebackers available in the 2012 NFL Draft and was projected to be a first round pick by NFL draft experts. Burfict is questionable to return to Sunday's game against Minnesota due to an elbow injury. Head coach Jon Gruden said Burfict got "a little bit" banged up in Monday's win over the Broncos, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Burfict (concussion) is scheduled to visit with the Raiders, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports. The off-ball low blow. The NFL suspended Raiders linebacker Vontaze Burfict for the remainder of the regular season this week because, per NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan, Burfict … The NFL reinstated LB Vontaze Burfict after serving a 12-game suspension for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Jack Doyle during 2019 season, per Tom Pelissero. "If the people making the decision really knew the guy that we know, inside our building," Carr said of Burfict, via ESPN.com. Free agent linebacker Vontaze Burfict is hoping some team will take a chance on him this season. Following a head-to-head hit on Colts tight end Jack Doyle during Sunday's game, the league handed him his longest suspension yet. The NFL announced the news Wednesday. Grab Vontaze Burfict’s attention the way Jordan Evans has, though, and Marvin Lewis and his staff might not have a choice but to play the sixth-round pick. Burfict suffered the elbow injury during the second quarter of the game and, as evidenced by this news, used the halftime break to make a return. Rookie Dakota Allen figures to be next in line to start at middle linebacker, though the Raiders may dip into free agency to find a replacement. Prior to the NFL Combine, Burfict … Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Reinstated from suspension, Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Suspension upheld, Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Could have suspension shortened, Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Suspended for rest of season, Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Facing season-long suspension, Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Good to go vs. Colts, Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Battling assortment of injuries, Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Makes return Sunday, Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Suffers injury Sunday, Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Will play Sunday, Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Questionable for Week 3, Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Not battling injury, Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Banged up in win, Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Expecting big role, Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Facing competition for job, Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Declares himself healthy, Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Signs with Raiders, Vontaze Burfict: Could join Guenther in Oakland. Between the brain injuries, three suspensions and a few other injuries, the veteran linebacker has averaged just 8.6 appearances per season the past five years. It only took Burfict one day to find a new landing spot after he was cut by the Bengals on Monday. The veteran linebacker should be fine for Week 4's game versus the Colts, although his practice status may stay limited for the extent of the week. © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Oakland Raiders linebacker Vontaze Burfict … Burfict wasn't listed on the Raiders' injury report Wednesday. Burfict (shoulder/knee) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Vikings. Burfict had his 12-game suspension upheld Wednesday, Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area reports. Burfict (concussion) said Wednesday that he's healthy and passed his physical with the Raiders, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports. The Bengals released Burfict (concussion) on Monday, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports. Burfict certainly won't suit up for Sunday's contest against the Bears, but the results of his appeal will indicate whether or not the veteran linebacker will retake the field during the 2019 season. Burfict's appeal to reduce the length of his suspension has been rejected, and he will not play another snap for Oakland during the 2019 season. Covering the impact of coronavirus on the sports world. section: | slug: vontaze-burfict-hopes-to-continue-playing-career-in-2020-after-his-suspension-was-lifted-by-nfl | sport: football | route: article_single.us | Burfict signed with the Raiders on a one-year, $2 million contract in March. "I hope he does. Burfict (shoulder/knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings. The Raiders signed Burfict to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million just one day after he was cut by the Bengals, hoping a reunion with his defensive coordinator Paul Guenther can help the 28-year-old return to top form. Burfict lines up at middle linebacker on this play against the Browns.The way the play is designed, the fullback should block the approaching linebacker out and there will be a … The guy just wants to play football. All Rights Reserved. Considering Burfict's storied history of illegal plays -- as well as the league's evident desire to curtail helmet-to-helmet hits and resulting injuries -- it's no sure thing Burfict's appeal will succeed in reducing his suspension. Burfict may be suspended for the rest of the season, Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports. 3:07 pm ET, Raiders reunion: Karl Joseph signs with Vegas, Ravens to bring in pass-rusher Justin Houston for visit, Watson attorney: QB sometimes had 'consensual' acts, Giants offseason hub: Key dates, free agents, rumors, Eagles offseason tracker: Welcome to the post-Wentz era, Report: Judges rule that Watson accusers must go public, Unlikeliest prospect: Millionaire punter, 30, Lawyer: Watson sometimes had 'consensual' acts, Jerry Jones infatuated with Kyle Pitts, per report, Raiders reunion: Ex-first round pick signs with Vegas, Judge: 9 Watson accusers must go public, per report. Burfict has a lengthy history of dirty plays, including two suspensions and 11 fines. The Raiders thought Vontaze Burfict could curb his issues with late hits and dirty play. Burfict, who has missed a total of 20 games since the 2016 season for violating the league's rules regarding player safety, was suspended last season following his helmet-to-helmet hit on Colts tight end Jack Doyle. Oakland Raiders linebacker Vontaze Burfict has been suspended for the entire 2019 regular season, but will he ever play football again? © 2004-2021 CBS Interactive. "He has watched tape, talked with coaches and NFL experts doing everything he can to conform his passionate play to the rules of the NFL. The NFL may announce a suspension as early as Monday, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. Burfict was limited in practice all week due to shoulder and knee injuries. But again, given Burfict’s past and extensive history of rules violations, a 12-game suspension isn’t overly surprising. You’re playing better the last few weeks… In Week 6 of the 2018 season, he was fined $112,000 by the NFL for hits on former Steelers receiver Antonio Brown and Pittsburgh running back James Conner that the league deemed unnecessary. In October 2011, Sports Illustrated′s Tony Pauline ranked him as 20th best prospect on his midseason draft board, but noted that he has been "a loose cannon on and off the field, which has raised red flags." The Raiders' attention will now turn toward finding a new starting middle linebacker. The Raiders have some young players -- Marquel Lee, Nicholas Morrow, Jason Cabinda -- with the potential to challenge Burfict, Marshall and Whitehead for playing time. During the 2016 and '17 seasons, he missed a combined eight games following two different suspensions. While his play on the field helped the Bengals win games, his inability to consistently play within the rules of the game started to overshadow his ability. Burfict has shown no interest or ability in altering his style of play, either, and it’s doubtful this latest punishment will change that. Former Raiders LB Vontaze Burfict reinstated by NFL, hoping to play in 2020. Despite his troubled past along with a lengthy concussion history, which led to questions about his future in the NFL, the Raiders signed 29-year-old Burfict to their roster last offseason. A long history of concussions and illegal hits could make it difficult for the 28-year-old to draw interest on the open market. We don't get a lot of time to play this game in our lives.". He was still a difference maker whenever healthy until 2018, at which point he posted a career-low mark of 4.7 tackles per game while also struggling in coverage. Burfict, 30, played for the Bengals from 2012 to 2018. And unfortunately, this has been lopped onto him, and that's what's bad.". After playing four games for the Raiders during the 2019 season, Burfict was suspended without pay for the remainder of the season for “repeated violations of unnecessary roughness rules” after a helmet-to-helmet hit on the Indianapolis Colts’ Jack Doyle. Burfict was only able to log limited practice time throughout the week while dealing with the two injuries but, as evidenced by this news, seemed to shake both off. This is a serious issue not only for Vontaze but all players and he is serious about doing things the right way and being a leader in playing football the right way.". Vontaze Burfict is ready to resume his NFL career if someone will give him the chance. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nfl | pageType: stories | He would at least have a decent shot to win a starting job in Oakland, where the competition consists of Tahir Whitehead, Nicholas Morrow, Marquel Lee and Jason Cabinda -- an underwhelming group to say the least. Burfict (concussion) agreed to a deal with the Raiders on Tuesday, Dianna Russini of ESPN reports. The 29-year-old linebacker has a long history of dirty hits and hasn't played at a high level since 2017, so the most he can hope for this offseason is a chance to battle for a starting job. Problems on and off the field at Arizona State, however, caused his draft stock to plummet immensely. After struggling in the middle, the staff moved Burfict back to the weak-side spot and gave Vincent Rey the start in the middle. Vontaze Burfict Suspension. Vontaze Burfict bristles at the notion, in his own way. I think that's a little excessive, if you ask me. The way he plays football, people lop that onto his character, and it's not the same. Free agent linebacker Vontaze Burfict is hoping some team will take a chance on him this season. His season-long suspension for an illegal hit on Indianapolis tight end Jack Doyle will stand. Burfict (elbow/knee/shoulder) was a full participant in Friday's practice and has been removed from the injury report for Sunday's game against the Colts. Evans didn’t even get a start in Denver. ", "Vontaze has spent the entire offseason studying and learning the proper code of conduct for participation in the NFL," Burfict's new agent, Peter Schaffer, told Pelissero. The 28-year-old linebacker seems to be healthy for the start of Oakland's offseason program, but he's coming off a 2018 campaign in which he struggled during his seven appearances and missed the other nine games while battling concussion symptoms. The Raiders signed Brandon Marshall on Thursday to join Burfict, Tahir Whitehead and a slew of young players in their linebacker room, Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area reports. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, at Covering the impact of coronavirus on the sports world. Burfict has been officially suspended for the remainder of the 2019 season, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. In that time, Burfict recorded 306 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and three forced fumbles. This is one of the best kids ever. Burfict, who was suspended for the final 12 games of the 2019 season, has been reinstated and is eligible to play this season, and he does want to play, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Vontaze Burfict's career appeared to be in serious jeopardy after the veteran linebacker was suspended for the final 12 games of the 2019 season. The alleged incident occurred in Nevada, although no other information regarding the arrest was made available to the public at this time. Vontaze Burfict was quietly reinstated from his suspension last month. Gruden said the 28-year-old is probably "very sore" Tuesday and cited his "reckless" style of play for the possible injury. Vontaze Burfict, the Bengals linebacker known for violent collisions, is back at it, delivering three blows to the head against his nemesis Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. He wonders why the question would be phrased in such a manner. Raiders' Vontaze Burfict: Will play Sunday by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire Burfict (shoulder/knee) is officially active for Sunday's game against … Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and Raiders coach Jon Gruden have each publicly expressed their displeasure with the league's decision to suspend Burfict following his hit on Doyle. Get the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about linebacker Vontaze Burfict on ESPN. The team could rely on a combination of Dakota Allen, Kyle Wilber and Justin Phillips to fill Burfict's role, or opt to sign a replacement in free agency. Marvis Lewis' the Sun Devils' co-defensive coordinator, was Burfict's head coach in Cincinnati from 2011-18, is hoping that another NFL team will give his former player a chance this upcoming season. The helmet-to-helmet hit on Antonio Brown was the most high-profile of these plays, but others involved the veteran receiver. Burfict opened 2019 as a starter for Oakland but was suspended for the rest of the season after a helmet-to-helmet hit Week 4 against Indianapolis. Burfict is appealing to have the length of his 12-game suspension reduced, Jon Becker of The Mercury News reports. Burfict was reinstated from a suspension last month and hopes to play in the NFL in 2020, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. A 2013 Pro Bowler, Burfict spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, helping the team advance to the playoffs each year from 2011-15. Burfict was arrested Saturday on a misdemeanor battery charge, ESPN reports. I don't think it's fair, if we really got to know the guy. On Monday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that Burfict, who saw his suspension lifted by the NFL last month, has spent the offseason working out at Arizona State -- his alma mater -- with hopes of continuing his career in 2020. Vontaze Burfict played the Pittsburgh Steelers twice a year during his seven-year stint with the Cincinnati Bengals, which led to many penalties and controversial plays. Marshall and Burfict both signed one-year, incentive-laden contracts, with the latter's containing a base value of $2 million and only $300,000 guaranteed. Burfict has a history of "dirty" play, but that hit didn't seem dirty to me. As expected, Burfict will appeal this suspension, and the hearing likely will be Tuesday, according to Rapoport. Burfict suffered a pair of concussions in December, bringing him to seven documented incidents through seven NFL seasons. He's more than gracious as a professional with kids, with charities, he's all those things. Burfict played 56 of 64 possible defensive snaps (88 percent) in his Raiders' debut, making six tackles (three solo). Adam Caplan of SiriusXM Radio reports that the Raiders plan to use Burfict as a middle linebacker, thus allowing Tahir Whitehead to stay on the weak side. © 2004-2021 CBS Interactive. Vontaze Burfict hopes to continue playing career in 2020 after his suspension was lifted by NFL Burfict was suspended for the final 12 games of the 2019 season for repeat violations of … Vontaze Burfict is known for playing with a particular brand of rough aggression, which the NFL has been attempting to eliminate. Burfict has not played in the NFL since Week 4 of the 2019 season after drawing a 12-game suspension from a helmet-to-helmet hit on Colts tight end Jack Doyle. Burfict collected six total tackles over 56 defensive snaps in the contest. While it can seemingly be added up to usual bumps and bruises, Burfict's participation in practice this week will be telling of just how sore he is. Burfict is quite banged up, but he was in similar shape before this past Sunday's game versus the Vikings and still suited up. It's unfortunate. Burfict was dealing with a number of different injuries this week that kept him limited to start the week, but it looks like none of them were too serious. He spent his first seven seasons in Cincinnati, accumulating 604 tackles (396 solo), five interceptions, 28 passes defensed, 8.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries in 75 games. Head coach Jon Gruden said Friday that Burfict will "be a big part of this defense," Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. Known for his suspensions and fines above all else, Burfict was actually one of the better linebackers in the NFL early in his career, but he's played 11 games or fewer every season since 2013 and hasn't been a difference maker when healthy since 2016. Gehlken also reports that the 28-year-old will be expected to relay plays in the huddle from defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, whom Burfict played for in Cincinnati. The NFL has suspended Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict for the first five games of the 2017 season because of this hit. Look for the linebacker to be a full go come Sunday. Now that he's back, expect the veteran to slide back into his usual role as the starting middle linebacker. The former Bengal has had problems staying healthy as of late, only appearing in 43 games over the last five seasons. Burfict came into the game dealing with shoulder and knee injuries but, as evidenced by this news, is dealing with a new issue. Given his poor play in 2018 along with his lengthy history of concussions and suspensions, Burfict isn't likely to find much in the way of guaranteed money. And Vontaze Burfict won't play the rest of the year? Burfict is expected to play middle linebacker in Oakland's 4-3 scheme, allowing Tahir Whitehead to retain his spot on the weak side. All Rights Reserved. Burfict has also reportedly spent the offseason "watching tape, talking to coaches, league executives, (and) other experts about the proper code of conduct to stay in the league. Vontaze Burfict Vontaze Burfict will be allowed to play again in the NFL, at least until his next dirty hit. Burfict’s hit on New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett mostly led to … Burfict is a UFA this spring. Burfict has become notorious for suspensions and fines, so it isn't surprising that he aligned himself with his former coach and current Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther. There probably isn’t a single player in the NFL that is more familiar with Guenther and his defense. Kyler Wilber and Marquel Lee would likely share reps at middle linebacker if Burfict were forced to miss any time. A 12-game suspension is evidence they were wrong. With the veteran sidelined, Kyle Wilber is the only depth linebacker on the roster currently healthy. Appeals officer Derrick Brooks upheld the suspension following a Tuesday hearing challenging the unprecedented punishment for an on-field action. On Monday, the NFL suspended Burfict for 12 games — the longest suspension in … Now that he's healthy, expect the veteran to assume his usual starting middle linebacker role. Those things that is more familiar with Guenther and his defense of rules violations, a 12-game suspension upheld,! Will give him the chance … Burfict, 30, played for the 28-year-old is probably very... Last month and hopes to play middle linebacker evans didn ’ t a single player in contest! Registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Inc... Appearing in 43 games over the last five seasons and '17 seasons, he missed combined. 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