Bengals suspend WR Jermaine Burton for Bills game, misses second consecutive matchup

The Cincinnati Bengals have suspended wide receiver Jermaine Burton for the upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills, marking a significant moment in his underwhelming season.

Why it matters: The suspension highlights ongoing challenges for Burton as he struggles to make an impact on a team that selected him in the third round of last year's draft.
Burton has not been active for any games this season and will miss his second consecutive game, following an earlier absence due to an ankle injury. This lack of participation diminishes his potential contribution to the Bengals' offense, which relies heavily on a dynamic passing game within its spread scheme.

What’s new: The announcement of Burton's suspension came just 90 minutes before kickoff.

• The decision means that Burton will forfeit his game check, compounding the financial and professional ramifications of his current situation.
• He did not travel with the team to Buffalo, indicating a deeper disconnect from the team's active roster.

Between the lines: This is not the first time Burton has faced setbacks; during his rookie season, he missed the final game against the Pittsburgh Steelers for non-injury reasons.

• After participating in 14 games as a rookie, the expectation was that he could become an integral part of the Bengals’ receiving corps alongside established stars like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
• However, his inability to stay on the field raises questions about his development and future with the franchise.

By the numbers: In the previous season with the Bengals, Burton recorded modest statistics, catching 57 passes for 699 yards and three touchdowns over 13 games.

• His performance, while solid, did not translate into a secure role for the current season, emphasizing the competitive nature of NFL rosters, especially in high-powered offenses.

What to watch: Moving forward, the Bengals will need to assess their depth at the wide receiver position.

• With Burton sidelined, other players may step up to fill the void, potentially altering the dynamics of the passing attack.
• The team must consider whether Burton can reclaim his spot or if they should explore other options to solidify their offensive strategy.

The bottom line: Burton's suspension underscores a pivotal moment in his career, as he navigates the intersection of talent, opportunity, and accountability within a team striving for success.
As the Bengals aim for a strong finish to the season, Burton's absence may prove detrimental, both to his individual growth and the team's aspirations.