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Who Dey notes: Vontaze Burfict, Bengals’ wounded warriors

By Emile Pierce

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 21: Michael Griffin #33 of the Tennessee Titans reaches up to grab the ankle of Cedric Peerman #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on September 21, 2014 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated Tennessee 33-7. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 21: Michael Griffin #33 of the Tennessee Titans reaches up to grab the ankle of Cedric Peerman #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on September 21, 2014 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated Tennessee 33-7. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Bengals’ Vontaze Burfict awaits the decision of the NFL. Preseason madness is coming to an end and the plan is to escape with no injuries.

Sometimes, the world of football can be a dizzying place to invest your emotions. Just when you think things are going well for your team, there’s an injury or some stroke of bad luck that rears its head. In fact, most Bengals fans have gotten used to the feeling. Just when you think Vontaze Burfict will be with the team for the entire 16-game roster, the NFL pulls a magic trick.

If things don’t go right with Tuesday’s appeal, Burfict could be facing a five-game suspension for blasting Anthony Sherman of the Kansas City Chiefs. Seems like there’s something holding Burfict back each year. What makes this potential snag so heartbreaking for Cincy fans? Coming into training camp, Burfict is looking like the linebacker who made it to the Pro Bowl in 2013. He’s faster, leaner and in control of his dark side. Well, that’s what Bengals fans understand. The national pundits and NFL seem to think otherwise.

If the suspension goes forward, Burfict will be out for a third of the season. But, he should be back in time for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wow. That sounds oddly familiar. There are no injuries to hinder him from playing in the Week 7 showdown. The Bengals have a bye the week before. So, if Cincinnati can hang on until he’s back, things should be just fine.

The Walking Wounded

Preseason football…ya gotta love it. The wait for the return of gridiron madness can make most fans insane. But, preseason action usually satiates the need for pads smacking and whistles blowing. However, the one aspect of the meaningless games that true fans dislike is the chance for injuries.

Coming off the Redskins game, the Bengals have been hit with a few that make those four games look useless. But, believe me, they’re worth the effort.

Cedric Peerman was looking good and the injury bug bit hard. He suffered a shoulder injury in the Bengals loss to the Redskins. On Tuesday, he was placed on Injured Reserve, effectively ending his season. But, with Mike Brown being a soft-hearted owner, who knows?

Next: What We Learned From The Redskins

Another Cinderfella story could be coming to an end. Rookie tight end Mason Schreck. The plan (actually my fondest wish) was to get Schreck up to speed with the offense and have him provide a cushion for Tyler Eifert. Now, that seems to be a foregone possibility.

Oh well. With the preseason coming to a close on Thursday against the Indianapolis Colts, the hope is to get out of the final game with no injuries. September 10 is right around the corner.

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