2:17 left in the third period when he denied former Wil

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals arent sure how many plays theyll get out of linebacker Vontaze Burfict in his first game back from a league suspension.They know that no matter what the number, itll likely make a difference.Burfict sat out the first three games for his repeated illegal hits, including one during the Bengals latest first-round playoff loss. His hit to receiver Antonio Browns head drew a penalty that set up Pittsburghs last-minute field goal for an 18-16 win at Paul Brown Stadium.The Bengals (1-2) had their defense shredded during a 29-17 loss to Denver on Sunday, with Trevor Siemian throwing a career-high four touchdown passes.Cincinnati hosts the Dolphins (1-2) on Thursday night needing something -- or somebody -- to get the defense turned around.Coach Marvin Lewis said the defense felt different when Burfict went onto the field for a light practice on Tuesday.You feel it as soon as he walks on the field, Lewis said. His command of things is excellent.Burfict is known for his grasp of the defense and his innate ability to read plays and get to the ball. The question is whether he can rein in his propensity for illegal hits.The linebacker has been repeatedly penalized and fined during his career. The NFLs three-game suspension gave notice that his behavior wont be tolerated. Although Burfict insists that he wont change his style of play, the coaching staff has talked to him about his decisions on the field. Theyve prepared him for opponents trying to goad him.Burfict also has had concussions because of his head-first style of play, something else that the coaches have tried to change.He knows, defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said. Weve talked at length about all that stuff. Im sure hes aware of whats at stake.I still want him to be an aggressive player. I dont want any linebackers being passive. But again, at the same time, people are going to be looking for him, so hes got to understand that and do it the right way. Hopefully he learned his lesson off what happened.Burfict could get a significant number of plays. Last season, he missed the first six games while recovering from offseason knee surgery. He returned for a 16-10 win at Pittsburgh, had solo tackles on each of the first two plays, and was on the field for nearly half of the defensive plays.Burfict said hes in better physical condition this time because hes not returning from an injury. He worked out on his own during the suspension.This is totally different, Burfict said. I was coming off an injury last time. Ive had more time to condition and work out. I feel I can play a full game, but its up to them. They said if I look tired, theyre going to pull me out.Game notes TE Tyler Eifert said his ankle feels strong after a full week of limited practices. Eifert had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left ankle -- injured during the Pro Bowl -- and wasnt able to practice until last week. Im super eager and excited, too, Eifert said. Lewis was noncommittal again on Tuesday about whether Eifert will play against the Dolphins. If he does, it would be in a limited role. ... CB Dre Kirkpatrick was held out of practice for a second straight day because of a hamstring injury suffered on Sunday. Kicker Mike Nugent fully practiced -- he suffered a shoulder injury while making a tackle on Sunday but finished the game.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL Javier Aquino Jersey . Tests earlier this week revealed a Grade 2 left hamstring strain for Sabathia, who was hurt in last Fridays start against San Francisco. Its an injury that will require about eight weeks to heal. He finished a disappointing campaign just 14-13 with a career-worst 4. Hector Herrera Jersey .S. -- Nikolaj Ehlers registered a hat trick for the third straight game and Jonathan Drouin had a goal and five assists as the Halifax Mooseheads hammered the host Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 10-1 on Tuesday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. http://www.soccermexicojerseysteamstore.com/carlos-vela-mexico-jersey/ .J. -- Marshawn Lynch said Thursday it will be good to get back to football after the Seattle quiet talking running back wrapped up his final mandatory media session of Super Bowl week. Giovani dos Santos Jersey . Jason Zucker and Matt Cooke also scored for Minnesota, which has won five of six. Kuemper made five saves in the first, nine in the second, and nine in the third. The rookies best save came with 2:17 left in the third period when he denied former Wild forward Matt Cullen from just outside of the crease on the right side. Guillermo Ochoa Jersey . -- Jimmie Johnson held off a teammate, passed a pair of Hall of Famers, and dominated once more at Dover. PHOENIX -- DeWayne Russell had 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting and Grand Canyon held Coppin State to 14 first-half points on the way to a 70-37 win on Friday night.The Antelopes (2-2) opened the game on a 15-2 run and led by double digits the rest of the way. The 14 points was Grand Canyons lowest point total allowed since the program began transitioning to Division I in 2013.Joshua Braun added 14 points for Grand Canyon, which led by 15 at the breakk and reached their largest lead of 34 three times late in the second half.ddddddddddddThe Eagles (0-7) shot 4 of 26 from the field in the first half, including 2 of 11 from 3-point range.No player scored more than six for Coppin State.It was Coppin States lowest point total since a 66-34 loss to Dayton on Dec. 15, 2007. ' ' '