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Bengals Tyler Eifert out multiple weeks with back injury

By Michael Williamson

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 14: Tyler Eifert No. 85 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on during a game against the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium on September 14, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Texans won 13-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 14: Tyler Eifert No. 85 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on during a game against the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium on September 14, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Texans won 13-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The Pro Bowl tight end is one of the league’s best when he’s healthy, but just isn’t healthy often enough.

The Cincinnati Bengals dumpster fire of a season got exponentially worse today with the news that star tight end Tyler Eifert will miss “multiple weeks” with a back injury. While back surgery is not expected to be needed, he’s far from out of the woods.

Back injuries in football can be career-killers — just ask Tony Romo. While superhumans who seem to be able to bounce back from any injury occasionally appear (Gronk), the toll they take begins compiling later in your career. At the rate Eifert’s accruing them, there might not be a later.

For Eifert, this will be the third time in his career he’s missed games due to a back injury. The two other instances were both last year, where he suffered a back bruise and lower lumbar strain. Sadly, this seems to be becoming a trend for one of the league’s most talented tight ends.

It doesn’t end at back injuries for Eifert, though. An ankle injury in the Pro Bowl sidelined him for six regular season games to start the 2016 season. In his five-year career, he’s missed time with a stinger, elbow tear, concussion and shoulder issues. It doesn’t seem like Eifert will ever be able to escape the injury bug. Even if he does, he’ll likely never be the player that he could’ve been.

For the Bengals, this only hurts their already pathetic offense even more. Eifert was one of the few guys that could take pressure of off A.J. Green by demanding defenses’ attentions. He has also become a solid blocker since entering the league, something not many of the Bengals offensive linemen can say. Eifert’s absence will hurt.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: 30 Best TE of All-Time

Tyler Kroft will take Eifert’s place in the starting lineup. The Bengals other tight end, CJ Uzomah, remains out with an ankle injury.  Rough times remain ahead for Andy Dalton and the rest of the offense.

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