Despite winning their season opener, the Cincinnati Bengals could be without tight-end Tyler Eifert for an extended amount of time as Albert Breer of NFL Network reports the organization has discussed placing the second-year player on the injury reserve list.
Tyler Eifert is a candidate now for the Bengals' IR-designated for return designation. That would sideline him at least 8 weeks.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 7, 2014
Eifert was removed from today’s game in the first quarter after suffering an elbow injury following a catch, which has been described as an dislocated elbow.
The injury was suffered on this play.
Here is an image to get a better look at Eifert’s freak injury.
Seldom-used last season, the Bengals hoped Eifert could be an additional threat in an offense that ranked 10th in the league in 2013. Prior to injuring himself, Eifert gained 37 yards on 3 receptions.
During his rookie season, Tyler Eifert collected 445 yards and two touchdowns.
Without Eifort, the Bengals will rely on veteran Jermaine Gresham to hold down the tight-end position. Last season, Gresham posted similar numbers to Eifert, collecting 458 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2013. In today’s matchup, Gresham was the recipient of 2 passes for a total of 16 yards.
Eifort’s presence will be missed next week when the Bengals face off against the Atlanta Falcons, a team that often struggles to contain opposing teams’ tight ends.