The forecast for today's Bengals-Browns game calls for 1-3 inches of snow and winds of 10-20 mph. We start to worry about the passing games when winds get over 15 mph, so this is a slight concern. Both teams figured to go run-heavy anyway, and the weather will only push them farther in that direction.

Bengals DE Michael Johnson (calf) is active for tonight's game against the Giants after entering the night questionable.

The Bengals have officially ruled MLB Rey Maualuga (leg) out for Monday's game against the Giants, as expected. LB Vontaze Burfict (thigh) and DE Michael Johnson (calf) are questionable for the game. Burfict returned to a full practice Saturday after putting in limited workouts the 1st 2 days. Johnson started with a limited workout Thursday, was a full participant Friday and then had no status (whatever that means) on the Saturday report.

The Bengals are expected to make MLB Rey Maualuga inactive for Monday night's game with the Giants, according to ESPN's Adam Caplan. Maualuga missed practice Thursday and Friday with a leg injury, though his absence Monday night might ultimately be tied more to a defense in need of some changes. DC Paul Guenther reportedly indicated this week that some veterans are on notice after a 3-4-1 start. That apparently includes Maualuga. We might see some of rookie LB Nick Vigil on Monday night. Given the uncertainty, though, Vontaze Burfict's the top LB play among Bengals. Karlos Dansby's in play in deeper leagues. Beyond that, we'll see what happens.

Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict (thigh) and DE Michael Johnson (calf) were limited in practice both Thursday and Friday, despite the team coming off a Week 9 bye. We'll watch for their game statuses Saturday, heading into the Monday night game against the Giants.

The Bengals on Tuesday announced a 4-year contract extension for S Shawn Williams. That's significant because Williams has started just 4 games across 3 seasons in Cincinnati, all of them last year. But he's a big part of why the team let S Reggie Nelson walk (to Oakland -- though he probably flew) in free agency. The 25-year-old Williams stands 6' and 210 pounds. He defensed a pass in 4 straight games late last season, including his 2nd INT. He'll likely crack the top 30 DBs when our 2016 fantasy football projections come out.

The Bengals spent the 24th pick on CB William Jackson III. He won't need to start right away in a defense that sports Adam Jones and former 1st-round picks Darqueze Denard and Dre Kirkpatrick. Corners don't make for very interesting rookie draft picks in your dynasty league.

The NFL has suspended Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict for the 1st 3 games of next season for repeated flagrant hits on opponents -- the most recent, of course, being Saturday night's head shot on Steelers WR Antonio Brown. That will mark the 2nd straight year Cincinnati will have to start without Burfict, who missed the 1st 6 games of 2015 while recovering from a knee injury. LB Vincent Rey has filled in for Burfict the past 2 years and delivered for IDP owners, but he's set to hit unrestricted free agency. The Bengals could turn to 2015 rookie Paul Dawson if Rey leaves. We'll see what they do this offseason.

Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict is probable for Sunday's game at Arizona despite a knee injury that limited him in practice all 3 days this week. Burfict played only 55.6% of the defensive snaps in the Monday night loss to the Texans while dealing with the knee. That makes him a poor IDP bet for this week.

The Bengals have deemed DE Michael Johnson (back) and CB Adam Jones (foot) doubtful for Sunday's game at Arizona. Their absences further downgrade a Cincinnati D that didn't make for an attractive fantasy option anyway, and can only help the Cardinals' pass offense.

The Bengals activated LB Vontaze Burfict on Saturday, which points to him likely playing Sunday against the Steelers. Both he and HC Marvin Lewis have said, though, that Burfict will need some time to work his way into game shape. You can go ahead and stash Burfict in a deeper IDP league, because we'd bet on him regaining a full-time role before the season ends. But don't chase him too hard in leagues of moderate or shallow depth. We don't know how long it'll take him to get back to 3-down duty. Expect OLB Vincent Rey to retain his 3-down role for at least a while -- and perhaps even after Burfict is back to full strength.

Bengals OLB Vontaze Burfict will join his team for practice Thursday for the 1st time in more than a year, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Burfict suffered a knee injury last October that eventually required microfracture surgery in the offseason. He started this year on the PUP, which still gives the Bengals 3 more weeks to decide whether to activate him or put him on IR. We'll see how Burfict's knee responds to practice -- and perhaps game action before too long. But even he realizes that a full return right away isn't realistic. “Who hasn't played in a year and come plays 70, 80 snaps in one game?" Burfict said of his chances for Week 8. "So I'm just looking forward to contributing as much as I can." You can stash Burfict now if you play in a deep IDP league, but don't go dropping value to add him in average-sized formats (say, 5 IDP starters or fewer). Vincent Rey has been Cincinnati's best -- and only 3-down -- LB in Burfict's absence, dating back to last year. Expect him to retain a starting spot even when Burfict gets back into the lineup.

Monday started the 2nd week of eligibility for Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict to come off the PUP and begin practicing with his team, but he didn't take the field. “We’ve spent too much time talking about someone not on the roster," HC Marvin Lewis said, per the team website. “When he’s ready to come off rehab, he’s ready.” Guess we'll see what that means as this week goes on. IDP owners shouldn't be rushing out to grab him right now, though. On the other hand, OLB Vincent Rey reportedly returned. He suffered a knee injury back in Week 6 before the Week 7 bye. We'll see how he progresses through the practice week. Monday's practice was not a full workout.