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.

The NFL has suspended Raiders LB Vontaze Burfict for the rest of the season for his headshot on Colts TE Jack Doyle Sunday. Burfict has a history of league suspensions for similar offenses, which explains the unprecedented length of this ban. Burfict has 3 days to appeal it, so we'll see whether it changes. Either way, Tahir Whitehead has been the more reliable Oakland LB for playing time and tackles and should be owned in most IDP leagues of at least moderate depth.

Raiders LB Vontaze Burfict got booted in the 1st half of Sunday's game against the Colts for an illegal hit. Given his past with the league on such hits, we should probably expect some sort of suspension to follow here.

Raiders LB Vontaze Burfict is questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings with a shoulder injury. Burfict put in limited workouts all week. We'll check his status Sunday morning.

Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict (concussion) is inactive for today's game against the Browns. He shouldn't have been in IDP consideration anyway.

Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict (hip) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens after missing the past 2 games. He put in limited practices all week, and we'd bet on the veteran playing. He's still a risky fantasy option even if active, though. Burfict played just 53%, 84% and 63% of Cincinnati's defensive snaps in his 3 appearances so far this season. Burfict has also averaged just 6.6 total tackles per game since the start of last season. Cincinnati will remain without LB Nick Vigil (knee), and MLB Preston Brown (knee) has also been ruled out.