CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a difficult challenge in trying to get their best player on a struggling defense to play safer and smarter, all while a battle with the NFL’s No. 1-ranked offense looms.

According to multiple reports, linebacker Vontaze Burfict has been fined $25,000 for twisting the ankles of Carolina Panthers players during Sunday’s 37-37 tie.

Burfict was not penalized on the plays in question — plays Carolina head coach Ron Rivera sent to the league office for review — but he was penalized on three other plays, two of which were for unnecessary roughness.

“We can’t have the penalties because that’s not what we coach, and we don’t condone it, either,” defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said. “What makes (Burfict) special is his edge. You’ve got to take your edge and focus. He can’t cross the line and go overboard where you’re not playing within the rules. He plays hard, and I’m never going to take that away from him because that’s who he is. But he’s got to watch what he’s doing. He’s on the list.”

He’s been on the list since last year when he was the most penalized player in the league, drawing 14 flags, eight of which were for unnecessary roughness while another was a 15-yard facemask violation.

Burfict shares the team lead with four penalties this year, and he’s only played three games, two of which he left early with concussions.

“He just needs to play football,” head coach Marvin Lewis said. “That’s our message to everyone — just play football and continue to play within the rules, because the rules are what they are. We don’t need anything extra at any point any time from anyone.”

Especially not against an Indianapolis Colts team that leads the NFL in total offense (444.0 yards per game) and passing offense (328.7) and enters Sunday’s contest on a four-game winning streak.

“The Colts are playing really well right now,” Lewis said. “They’re doing a nice job offensively. On third down, on both offense and defense, they’re excellent. That’s a key to the last four football games they’ve won, and how well they’re doing that.”

The Bengals defense, on the other hand, has plummeted to a No. 28 ranking after finishing third in the league last year.

Last week Cincinnati gave up 431 yards and 37 points against the Panthers and 2011 No. 1 overall draft pick Cam Newton. Sunday they have to contend with 2012 No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck, whose 17 touchdown passes lead the league.

“Andrew Luck does a lot more within their offense at the line of scrimmage the way their things are designed, as far as moving motion and so forth, and trying to get the right looks for their plays,” Lewis said. “Both are big, strong guys who are hard to tackle, and we’ve got to do a great job getting pressure and traps in the pocket, and getting them on the ground.”

And of not putting any flags on the ground, something not limited to Burfict last week as the Bengals committed 13 penalties for 119 yards. The 13 penalties were the third most in the Marvin Lewis era, and the 119 yards were the second highest since he took over in 2003.

NOTES: WR Marvin Jones (ankle) was placed on season-ending injured reserve. … WR A.J. Green (toe) will not play Sunday against Indianapolis, according to a report by ESPN, but Bengals coach Marvin Lewis called him day-to-day and said he has a chance to be active against the Colts. … Free agent WR Greg Little and LB Nico Johson were signed. … LB Emmanuel Lamur (shoulder) and LB Rey Maualuga (hamstring) are not expected to play this week. … DT Brandon Thompson (knee) is getting closer to returning to practice but likely will not play until Oct. 26 against Baltimore at the earliest. … LB Khairi Fortt was waived. … WR Cobi Hamilton, the team’s sixth-round draft pick who spent last year on the practice squad, was signed to the practice squad. … WR Colin Lockett was waived from the practice squad.