The Raiders will be without veteran linebacker Vontaze Burfict for the rest of the 2019 NFL season.
Burfict was suspended for the rest of the season Monday morning, one day after being ejected from the Raiders' 31-24 win over the Colts for an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit on tight end Jack Doyle.
The NFL has suspended Raiders LB Vontaze Burfict for the remainder of this season.— Scott Bair (@BairNBCS) September 30, 2019
Below is a statement from NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan on the decision.
Raiders LB Burfict suspended for remainder of 2019 season
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ESPN's Chris Mortensen first reported Monday morning that Burfict is facing a season-long suspension.
Vontaze Burfict is facing a season-long suspension for his late conduct on field, per source.— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 30, 2019
Burfict was ejected after lowering his head and delivering a helmet-to-helmet hit on Doyle in Oakland's Week 4 win.
The eight-year pro already has been fined or suspended 12 times in his career for illegal hits. The season-long suspension will be No. 13, but NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported Burfict plans to appeal his suspension.
Vontaze Burfict will appeal, per his agent Lamont Smith. Traditionally, the hearings have been on Tuesdays. https://t.co/YtuoSZqWA3— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 30, 2019
The Raiders' next game is against the Bears in London on Sunday, Oct. 6.
