Cincinnati Bengals middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict could return to practice this week after concussions each of the first two weeks of the season.

Asked Monday if Burfict would be back on the field, head coach Marvin Lewis said “I would imagine he will, yes.”

Burfict missed Week 3 and the Bengals are coming off of a bye week.

Versatile reserve Vinny Rey has been effectively filling in for Burfict. The Bengals are preparing to play the New England Patriots this week.

Burfict signed four-year contract extension worth $20.05 million. The deal has a $19 million base salary and additional incentives for Pro Bowl appearances. His 2014 salary will be $7.6 million.

Bypassed by NFL teams in the 2012 draft, Burfict has established himself as one of the most productive college free agent signees by any NFL team in recent years. He has led the Bengals in tackles in each of his two seasons.

Burfict has played outside linebacker but had a breakout season in 2013, leading the NFL in tackles with 171 as a middle linebacker. He has started 30 of 32 regular-season games in the past two seasons.