CINCINNATI -- Linebacker Vontaze Burfict believes the hit was legal.
Burfict is facing a five-game suspension for an illegal hit on Kansas City Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman during a preseason game on Aug. 19. Burfict, who is considered a repeat offender, hit Sherman while the running back was, in the judgement of league officials, in a defenseless position on a pass play during the first quarter.
Burfict's appeal was scheduled for Tuesday, and was to be heard via conference call by former NFL wide receiver James Thrash, now one of two NFL and NFLPA discipline officers.
Burfict, 26, who also had an interception return for a touchdown during Sunday's game, hit Sherman while quarterback Alex Smith passed to tight end Travis Kelce for a 36-yard gain. Burfict's rationale was that his hit legally prevented Sherman from springing open for Smith against man coverage.
He is no stranger to league discipline during his five-year career, most notably drawing a three-game suspension for violations of player safety rules. The ban included an illegal hit on Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown during the playoffs following the 2015 season. During that season, Burfict was fined $50,000 for a hit on Baltimore Ravens tight end Maxx Williams and $70,000 for three incidents in a regular-season contest with the Steelers. Those episodes with Pittsburgh set the stage for a contentious playoff contest in which Brown was injured and unable to play in the following week's AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos.
If Burfict's appeal is denied, it will be the third straight home opener he's missed.
Cincinnati opens its season on Sept. 10 against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium.