Richard Skinner

rskinner@nky.com

Linebacker Vontaze Burfict was originally ruled to have left Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons with a stinger, but he is now back in the NFL's concussion protocol for the second straight week and was among seven players other than wide receiver A.J. Green to not practice on Wednesday.

Burfict left the season opener in Baltimore late in the first half with a concussion, and after not practicing last Wednesday and Thursday, he returned to practice on Friday and then passed the independent protocol before Sunday's game, which allowed him to play. He then left Sunday's game in the third quarter.

Left tackle Andrew Whitworth also missed practice on Wednesday for what was labeled a knee injury. He was injured in Sunday's game with what was ruled as a lower leg contusion at the time. He stayed in the game for a series after that, then came out for the final offensive series as the Bengals held a 24-10 lead at the time. Whitworth took a day off practice leading up to each of the first two games for a veteran's rest day.

Guard Kevin Zeitler (calf), who is expected to miss several weeks, also didn't practice Wednesday. No formal update of his prognosis was given by head coach Marvin Lewis, and Zeitler declined to comment until Lewis does.

Guard/center Mike Pollak (knee) has taken a day off each of the last two weeks and is expected to start in Zeitler's place this Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, according to Lewis.

Defensive tackle Brandon Thompson (knee), running back Rex Burkhead (knee) and linebacker Sean Porter (hamstring) also did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Wide receiver Marvin Jones is still listed as out as he returns from a broken foot, while safety Shawn Williams was limited in his participation on Wednesday due to a groin injury.

LEWIS-HARRIS BACK: Cornerback Chris Lewis-Harris was added to the 53-man roster on Wednesday after the Bengals had been given a two-day roster exemption for him on Monday.

Lewis-Harris was suspended by the NFL for the first two games of the season for violating the league's Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. He is a second-year player who saw action in eight games last season.