Cincinnati Bengals: Thomas Howard’s Injury Gives Vontaze Burfict Chance to Shine

September 15, 2012   ·   Zach Kruse   ·   Jump to comments

Thomas Howard's season-ending ACL injury during practice Thursday has opened the door at starting weak-side linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals. 
You won't even guess who has reportedly walked through that door to claim the starting job for the Bengals' Week 2 matchup with the Cleveland Browns. 
According to ESPN's Alyssa Roenigk, undrafted free agent Vontaze Burfict will get the start in Howard's place Sunday. 
 
With starting outside LB Thomas Howard out with an ACL tear, @king55tez is the new starter in Cincy. Quite a climb after quite a draft dive.
— Alyssa Roenigk (@ESPN_Alyssa) September 14, 2012  
Quite a "draft dive" would be an understatement for Burfict, who went undrafted after many projected him to be a sure-fire first-round pick in April's NFL draft. 
In fact, Bleacher Report's own Matt Miller compared Burfict to San Francisco 49ers All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis during the pre-draft process. ...

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