Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Jermaine Burton Suspended For Week 14 Game
The Cincinnati Bengals officially announced on Sunday morning that Jermaine Burton has been suspended for the Week 14 matchup against Buffalo. He’s not just inactive; he’s in the disciplinary doghouse.
Why Burton Was Left Behind
This isn’t a case of a player tweaking a hamstring during Saturday’s walkthrough. The team confirmed that Burton didn’t even travel with the squad to Buffalo. While the organization hasn’t released a specific manifesto detailing exactly what rule was broken this time, the message is loud and clear: the trust just isn’t there.
Head Coach Zac Taylor and the front office have been incredibly patient, some might argue too patient, with the talented wideout. But when you get told to stay home while your teammates fly out for a crucial AFC battle, that’s not a red flag. That’s a siren.
An Expensive Mistake For the Wide Receiver
Disciplinary actions in the NFL hit where it hurts the most: the wallet. By missing this game due to suspension, Burton is forfeiting his game check. That’s a loss of roughly $59,320.
For most of us, losing sixty grand because of a workplace issue would be a catastrophic life event. For an NFL player on a rookie deal, it is a massive slice of the pie. It’s an expensive way to spend a Sunday watching football on TV like the rest of us.
A Season Of Wasted Potential
The frustration here is rooted in what Burton was supposed to be. The Bengals drafted him 80th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, seeing a guy with explosive traits who played at Georgia and Alabama. He was meant to be the deep threat that complemented Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Instead, his stat sheet for this season is emptier than a stadium three hours after kickoff. He hasn’t played a snap this year. Last season, his rookie campaign, he managed just four catches for 107 yards. The physical talent is undeniable; you don’t play at two SEC powerhouses without it. But in the pros, availability is the best ability, and reliability is a close second. Right now, Burton offers neither.
The Off-Field Context
It’s impossible to talk about Burton without acknowledging the baggage that came with the draft pick. There was the incident in college involving a Tennessee fan, and more recently, disturbing reports regarding a domestic dispute earlier this year. Charges were never filed.
The Bengals took a calculated risk on his talent, hoping the culture in the locker room would smooth out the rough edges. But when a player is healthy, practicing all week, and still gets suspended on game day? It suggests the “project” is failing.
Is This the End Of the Road?
At this point, you have to wonder how many strikes are left. NFL rosters are churned constantly, and patience wears thin when production is zero. Burton is currently occupying a roster spot that could go to someone who, at the very least, shows up on time and follows protocol.
The Bengals are trying to make a playoff push. They need soldiers, not distractions. Unless there is a massive turnaround in attitude and professionalism, Burton might find that his days in stripes are numbered.
