The Bengals may be without Pro Bowl tight end Tyler Eifert longer than expected.
Eifert, who has yet to play this season after suffering an ankle injury in January's Pro Bowl, tweaked his back and is listed on the Bengals injury report released Wednesday.
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Eifert was cleared to practice on a limited basis two weeks ago, and the Bengals were hopeful he could return for Sunday's game in Dallas. That's unlikely now with his latest setback. Eifert injured his back while running a route in what was a non-contact injury during Monday's practice, according to the Bengals website.
He did not participate in Wednesday's practice, and it is unclear how long Eifert's latest injury will keep him sidelined. He's considered by the team to be day to day.
Eifert caught 52 passes for 615 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, despite playing in just 13 games because of a stinger and concussion. Without Eifert, the Bengals offense has suffered in the red zone: Cincinnati is next to last in the NFL in touchdown percentage inside the 20-yard line, after ranking fifth in 2015.
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Eifert missed most of the 2014 season because of a dislocated elbow and separated shoulder incurred in the season-opener.
The fourth-year veteran from Notre Dame caught 39 passes for 445 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games as a rookie.