Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert did not practice Wednesday and has reportedly suffered a new minor back injury, according to ESPN’s Bob Holtzman. Effect has missed the the first four weeks of the 2016 season, while recovering from preseason ankle surgery. The Pro Bowl tight end left the Bengals’ facility Wednesday to see a specialist regarding the new back injury.
Eifert was spotted noticeably limping to the locker room during practice Monday, according to ESPN’s Katherine Terrell. The fourth-year TE was expected to make his season debut in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys. Eifert will be out for Cincinnati in Week 5 against Dallas.
Fantasy Impact: This is bad news for Eifert and his fantasy owners. The Bengals would have been grateful to have the 2015 top receiving TE back considering their struggles in the red zone. With this setback, owners can only hope that Eifert will be able to play Week 6.
As Eifert sits, C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Kroft will continue to split the TE responsibilities for the Bengals. Uzomah contributed 45 yards on four catches to Cincinnati in its win over the Miami Dolphins. Kraft’s production has been far less. Neither TE is really worth picking up unless owners are desperate with bye week sits.