What will 2015 look like for Vontaze Burfict?

The Bengals used the first two weeks of free agency to solidify the linebacker position. One major question still exists among the group and won't be answered anytime soon: What will 2015 look like for Vontaze Burfict?

The Bengals' leading tackler in 2012 and 2013 is currently rehabbing in Los Angeles from microfracture surgery on his knee. His status for training camp and the regular season remains up in the air.

For now, in the eyes of Marvin Lewis, the Bengals go forward optimistic - but realistic - about the unknowns surrounding how much the linebacker will be able to contribute.

"We have to go forward, and when he shows up and does his thing, we are better," Lewis said.

Exactly when he will show up remains a looming question. Burfict had surgery in California and plans to stay out there, but the Bengals are keeping him a part of the process. Linebackers coach Matt Burke, defensive coordinator Paul Guenther and physical therapists have visited their defensive leader.

"We've done a good job of keeping eyes on him there," Lewis said. "He feels really good about the people he's working with there under the direction of the doctor. That's one of those – it's a situation where he has to really feel great about the people he is working with so we've done a good job of trying to incorporate both us and them together in a joint effort."

As for when he could return to the field, staring four months into the future makes it hard to predict.

"We have to feel positive about what's going on with him," Lewis said. "He's committed to do the work and get after it because he wants to be back out there and playing."