CINCINNATI — Vontaze Burfict is appealing a four-game suspension from the NFL for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substances, the third straight season that the Cincinnati Bengals linebacker is facing punishment from the league.

The suspension was first reported by ESPN. The Bengals had no comment on Burfict. They signed free agent linebacker Preston Brown to a one-year contract Friday, giving them depth at the position.

The Bengals have steadfastly supported Burfict, even giving him a three-year contract extension while he was suspended last year. They’ve had plenty of chances to get accustomed to playing without him.

He missed the first six games of the 2015 season while recovering from knee surgery. He played a key role in the Bengals’ playoff meltdown against the Steelers that season, hitting Antonio Brown in the head after an incompletion. The penalty moved Pittsburgh into range for a winning goal in the closing seconds.

The NFL responded by suspending Burfict for the first three games of the 2016 season, citing his history of egregious hits. He got another three-game suspension to start last season after an egregious hit on Kansas City running back Anthony Sherman during a preseason game.