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Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict underwent microfracture knee surgery in January. This is one of the riskiest surgeries for athletes and requires a tedious recovery process after the operation. Burfict has become one of the Bengals’ most consistent and important defensive players, totaling 304 combined tackles over his first two seasons. This unfortunate knee injury limited him to only five games in 2014, but he is eager to beat the odds and get back to playing very soon.
The Bengals began OTAs on Tuesday and Burfict’s participation was rather limited. The majority of his workout involved working with a resistant band on the side field. He was unable to run and often walked with a limp across the field, leaving many to wonder what his status will be come September as the Bengals open the season against the Oakland Raiders.
The Bengals definitely don’t want to be without the talent of Burfict on the field come Week 1, but perhaps they have a rookie waiting in the wings who could fill his shoes for the time being until he is 100 percent healthy. Paul Dawson, a third-round draft pick for the Bengals this year, is a player many feel is an NFL-ready linebacker. This was one of my favorite picks for the Bengals in the 2015 draft, and there could be a lot riding on his performance in OTAs.
This will be a storyline to keep an eye on throughout Bengals training camp. As of now, Dawson is No. 3 on the depth chart at weakside linebacker, but he has a definite shot to move his way into the starting lineup as we get closer to the beginning of the 2015 season. Sean Porter and Vincent Rey are also capable guys at the position who will be competing hard for that spot. Obviously, having Burfict healthy and ready to go is the ultimate goal, but if that doesn’t happen in time, this could be a golden opportunity for Dawson to make an immediate statement.
