Bengals: next man up at LB – Vincent Rey

After not practicing Wednesday or Thursday, outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict’s status for Sunday’s prime-time matchup against the New England Patriots seems to be in doubt. Burflict has been a menace for opposing offenses while on the field, especially playing downhill, with a Run Stop % of 18.8 – 2^nd best among outside backers.

The Bengals will look to Vincent Rey to fill the void at OLB if Burflict can’t go, already playing 149 snaps on the year in his absence.

Rey got pushed around a bit by the Ravens in Week 1, missing a tackle and failing to record a Run Stop. While better against Atlanta, he really turned up his play in Week 3 against Tennessee, leading the team in Run Stops with three and notching two quarterback hurries on nine pass attempts. With the Patriots’ offense struggling mightily, Rey will have plenty of opportunities to continue his solid play if called upon on Sunday night.