Burkhead to make first NFL start with Hill inactive for Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals running back Rex Burkhead will make his first NFL start today against Baltimore with Jeremy Hill among the list of inactives.

It’s a big opportunity for Burkhead, who will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. He had a career-high 12 carries for 42 yards last week at Houston.

Hill, who was listed as questionable with a knee injury, will miss the first game of his career.

Joining Hill on the inactive list are linebacker Vontaze Burfict (concussion/knee) and tight end Tyler Kroft (knee/ankle), both of whom were listed as doubtful.

The healthy scratches are offensive lineman Christian Westerman, wide receiver Jake Kumerow, defensive tackle DeShawn Williams and quarterback Jeff Driskel.

Andrew Whitworth, who also will be an unrestricted free agent, returns to his regular starting spot at left tackle and playing left guard last week.

T.J. Johnson will play left guard and make the first start of his career, while Cody Core will start at receiver for A.J. Green, with C.J. Uzomah getting the nod at tight end for Kroft.

On defense, Vinny Rey will start for Burfict.

The Ravens inactives are wide receivers Keenan Reynolds and Vince Mayle, running back Javorius Allen, linebacker Lamar Louis, guard Ryan Jensen, tackle Rick Wagner and tight end Crockett Gillmore.

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