Bengals Training Camp: Tyler Eifert’s Week 1 Return Doubtful
By Emile Pierce
Cincinnati Bengals’ tight end Tyler Eifert is making progress, during his rehab. But, a Week 1 return to action is doubtful.
With the injury bug hitting heavy, Tyler Eifert’s return has been somewhat forgotten. As the Cincinnati Bengals deal with the usual training camp setbacks, Eifert has been making progress. Yet, a return to action against the Jets in Week 1 is a stretch. The offense has been looking good without the talented tight end. Rushing him back wouldn’t benefit the Bengals.
You just have to trust the process.
Though the Bengals are still searching for Eifert’s backup, there’s no need to panic. Andy Dalton and A.J. McCarron have looked comfortable with the offense. So far, in both preseason games, the offense has been able to move the ball. The Detroit Lions matched their starting defense against the Bengals. The result was a quick-strike drive that ended with a trip to the end zone.
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It’s easy to get hyped about the play calling and “domination” of the first-team offense. But, most of the schemes are vanilla at best. With that said, Eifert’s presence hasn’t been necessary. Dalton and McCarron have used the weapons available.
On Monday, Eifert was walking around without a boot and doing some light jogging. With the season less than three weeks away, suiting up for the New York Jets would be a miracle. Eifert said he’s had no physical setbacks from the May surgery. No date has been set for a return, but he’s working out to be prepared.
"“I’m not ready to practice. I’m not ready for change of direction, but I’m doing multiple treatments a day and doing lifting and conditioning multiple times a day. I try to do as much as I possibly can so when I’m ready to play I’m in shape.”"
Tyler Kroft was also back on the field. Kroft suffered a sprained knee and has been missing in action as well. Kroft won’t see any practice action. To make sure he’s available for the regular season opener, Kroft will be
There’s no need for alarm. Eifert will be playing soon enough. In the meantime, fullback Ryan Hewitt, C.J. Uzomah, Matt Lengel and John Peters will be under the microscope.
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Eifert understands that the rehab process can be tricky. A shoulder injury ruined his 2014 season. The key is to have patience and take it a day at a time.
"“You can work as hard as you possibly can and you could be here for 24 straight hours but that’s not going to help it move along faster. You just have to trust the process and be patient with it and do what you can to get better.”"
When Eifert returns, hopefully, Cincinnati will be in a position to ease him into the rotation.