Bengals: If Tyler Eifert Misses Time
Nov 29, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (85) reacts to scoring a touchdown with quarterback Andy Dalton (left) and offensive tackle Jake Fisher (right) in the first half against the St. Louis Rams at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Tyler Eifert has been one of the most dominant players in the NFL and leads the league in touchdowns, but it looks like he could possibly miss some time after suffering a stinger in the Cincinnati Bengals’ victory over the St. Louis Rams.
Tests on Bengals' TE Tyler Eifert’s neck today revealed no structural damage, but his status for Sunday is in question for now, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 1, 2015
This report could have two huge implications for Cincinnati:
- Eifert will be day-to day-while the training staff evaluates any pain or setbacks, especially once he starts practicing.
- More importantly, Eifert could miss some time if Cincinnati feels that he is not ready to play.
The Bengals have been rolling, thanks in part to Eifert and Dalton’s best year to date. They have connected on 46 passes for 522 yards and 12 touchdowns along with 33 receiving first downs. Cincinnati could be missing that combination though when it takes on the Browns in Cleveland on Sunday. Granted, the Browns have their own injury issues, but losing a big weapon who is of the Bengals’ most valuable offensive assets is always going to be a concern.
That means A.J. Green, Marvin Jones, and Mohamed Sanu will need to be even better, and Giovani Bernard could get an increased workload in the passing game. This also could mean that rookie Tyler Kroft could have a larger role on this team on Sunday. He got his first catch out of the way in Week 12, so the initial jitters can be eased just a little more.
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It is doubtful that Kroft can fill the void of the likely Pro Bowler, but he could still make an impact. In addition, Cincinnati could increase Ryan Hewitt‘s workload both as a pass-catcher and run blocker.
Of course, all of this is speculation at this point. The reports regarding Eifert’s status haven’t been very clear, so it’s hard to tell whether Eifert will miss Sunday’s game. Not to mention, the Bengals have won games without Eifert’s contribution in the receiving game. In week three, Efiert put up complete zeros in the Bengals’ 28-24 win over the Ravens.