The Cincinnati Bengals season is almost over and the Bengals-Ravens rematch is now meaningless after a last second loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, injuries are the headlines for the Bengals for another week.
The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into the final week of their 2016 season. They will essentially be playing for their draft position and that is about it. However, with no meaning and nothing other than draft position and pride, it would make sense to rest starters, but injuries of too many rule the headlines heading into this game.
Tyler Eifert on IR
The Cincinnati Bengals made the move official today with Tyler Eifert:
NEWS: #Bengals place OG Clint Boling and TE Tyler Eifert on IR
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 26, 2016
It means that Eifert will end his season where he began it, on the bench. EIfert only played half of the games this season and had an impact in five of those eight games. Eifert will be a free agent in 2018 and he is an important part of this Bengals team, but he has only played 37 of 64 games. He has missed 27 games in his four year career, and can’t stay on the field.
Tyler Eifert is a key piece to this Bengals offense but is unreliable. Getting him healthy for 2017 is the key and hopefully after a little rest and relaxation this off-season he will be ready for another playoff run.
Clint Boling on IR
Clint Boling signed a long term deal in 2015. He was also placed on the injury reserved list opening up a second spot on the roster. He missed the Bengals game against the Houston Texans with a shoulder injury but again could be more of a shut down for rest and relaxation for a 2017 run.
Boling has only met six games since becoming the full time starter in 2012. Although the offensive line took a huge step back in their protection of Dalton, Boling has been one of the more consistent players.