In a surprise move ahead of their pivotal Week 18 clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cincinnati Bengals have ruled out rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton due to an undisclosed “coach’s decision”. The promising third-round pick out of Alabama did not travel with the team to Pittsburgh, where the Bengals must secure a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Burton had been serving as Cincinnati’s primary kick returner for the past seven games, providing a spark on special teams. His absence deals an unexpected blow to a Bengals squad already facing immense pressure in this high-stakes AFC North showdown.
Discipline Issues Resurface for Rookie Wideout
This isn’t the first time the talented but troubled receiver has found himself in the coaching staff’s doghouse. In Week 9, Burton was a surprise healthy scratch against the Raiders despite the absence of star wideout Tee Higgins. Sources revealed Burton had missed a walk-through practice late in the week, prompting head coach Zac Taylor to send a clear message about accountability.
“As the week unfolded, there was a lot of positive things people were saying about him. It was all true. And then late in the week … we’ve just got to handle business the right way.”
– Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor on benching Burton in Week 9
When the Bengals selected Burton in April’s draft, Taylor acknowledged the “maturity things that come with some of these guys coming out of these colleges” and expressed confidence the rookie would “continue to grow” in that regard. However, it appears those concerns have resurfaced at the worst possible time for Cincinnati.
Off-Field Issues Adding to Burton’s Woes
Compounding matters, court records show Burton is currently facing a lawsuit from his landlord and an eviction notice from the apartment he resides in, located just steps from the Bengals’ home stadium and practice facility. These off-field distractions certainly aren’t helping the young wideout’s case.
Bengals’ Playoff Fate Hangs in the Balance
For a Cincinnati team that entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations, missing the playoffs would be a devastating outcome. Veteran leaders like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase must now step up to fill the void left by Burton’s sudden unavailability.
- Bengals currently on the outside looking in for final AFC wild card spot
- Loss to Steelers would eliminate Cincinnati from postseason contention
This ill-timed distraction is the last thing Zac Taylor’s squad needs as they prepare for a Steelers team that would love nothing more than to play spoiler against their bitter division rival. With tensions running high and the stakes even higher, the Bengals must quickly regroup and refocus if they hope to keep their fading playoff dreams alive.
Looking Ahead: Burton’s Future with Bengals in Doubt?
While the immediate focus remains on Sunday’s must-win battle, it’s fair to wonder about Jermaine Burton’s long-term future in Cincinnati. Will the talented but troubled receiver get back in the coaching staff’s good graces, or will this latest misstep be the final straw?
As the Bengals aim to prove last year’s thrilling Super Bowl run was no fluke, they can ill afford to let off-field issues derail their championship ambitions. For now, all eyes turn to Heinz Field, where Cincinnati’s season hangs in the balance – with or without their enigmatic rookie receiver.
