CINCINNATI — While the Bengals defense settles in to learn a new system during training camp, linebacker Vontaze Burfict is just passing through town.

He’ll miss the start of the season for a third year in a row, this time on a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancers. It’s a conundrum for the Bengals , who have remained loyal to Burfict despite his history of misconduct and suspensions.

His absence will be especially noteworthy this year as the Bengals adjust to a new defense under first-year coordinator Teryl Austin.

When camp opens with the first practice on Thursday, they’ll be teaching him the system while also preparing everyone else to play without him for the first month.

“Unfortunately, we’re probably too experienced at it,” coach Marvin Lewis said.

The results so far haven’t been all that encouraging.

Burfict was suspended for the first three games in 2016 because of his history of egregious hits during games, including his blow to Antonio Brown’s head during the Steelers’ first-round playoff victory the previous season. The Bengals lost two of three and finished with a losing record.

Last year, Burfict got another three-game suspension from the league for his egregious hit on Kansas City’s Anthony Sherman during a preseason game. Undeterred, the Bengals gave Burfict a three-year contract extension and got off to an 0-3 start and another losing season.

Burfict is one of the most vocal leaders on the defense. He’ll practice with the team until the preseason ends and his suspension begins, preventing him from being around the team for a month.

“We’re going to miss the heck out of Vontaze,” cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick said Wednesday.

Coaches liken it to missing an injured player, though it’s not an exact comparison. When a player gets hurt, someone else steps into the job full time.