Published September 12, 2015
The Bengals' defense finally got its act together after three rough weeks, holding down Baltimore just enough to pull out a pivotal win. The challenge is to keep it going without Cincinnati's best defensive player.
Pro Bowl linebacker Vontaze Burfict had surgery on his left knee on Wednesday and will miss at least the next two games. The Bengals (4-2-1) host Jacksonville (1-7) on Sunday, then play the Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on Thursday night.
Burfict also has missed two games with concussions. Coordinator Paul Guenther says the defense is much better when he's on the field.
The defense also is missing linebacker Rey Maualuga, who is out indefinitely with a hamstring injury.
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