Raiders’ Vontaze Burfict ejected during win over Colts for illegal hit

The Raiders lost their defensive leader Vontaze Burfict in the first half Sunday when the controversial linebacker was ejected for an illegal hit on Colts tight end Jack Doyle.

Burfict lowered his head and slammed into Doyle’s helmet after the Colts’ Pro Bowler was down on a knee after a short first-down catch on third-and-3 midway through the second quarter. The play resulted in a 15-yard penalty on Burfict for unneccesary roughness. Upon further review in New York, Burfict was ejected when his illegal hit was detected.

#Raiders LB Vontaze Burfict has been ejected from the #Colts gamepic.twitter.com/shskk2BUw3

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 29, 2019

Burfict has been suspended a total of 10 games and racked up more than $4 million in fines over his eight-year career for crossing the line with his aggressive style. However, he had largely avoided trouble in his first three games with the Raiders. Given his history, it’s possible Burfict could be subject to not only a fine but a suspension.

Burfict’s exit from the field at Lucas Oil Stadium probably didn’t win him any support as he was smiling and blowing kisses to the Colts’ crowd.

Without Burfict, who calls defensive plays for Oakland, the Raiders shifted those responsibilities to fellow linebacker Tahir Whitehead, who finished with a team-high eight tackles, including six solo tackles in the 31-24 win Sunday.

Burfict spent the first seven years of his career in Cincinnati, where he played for current Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther. They were reunited this offseason when Burfict agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with the Raiders.