NFL PLAYER NEWS

Report: Bengals’ Eifert (ankle) to miss rest of season

The Sports Xchange

October 01, 2018 at 10:45 am.

Sep 30, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (85) is carted off  the field after suffering an injury in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Photo Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 30, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (85) is carted off the field after suffering an injury in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Photo Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert is expected to miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a broken ankle in his team’s 37-36 win over the Atlanta Falcons, according to a report Monday.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Eifert will undergo surgery and miss the rest of the campaign.

Eifert caught a short pass from quarterback Andy Dalton before landing awkwardly on his right leg while being tackled by Falcons linebacker De’Vondre Campbell early in the third quarter of Sunday’s game. The tackle left Eifert’s right ankle twisted in an awkward way.

The gruesome injury had Eifert slamming his hand on the turf in a bid to garner the attention of athletic trainers. The 6-foot-6, 255-pound Eifert was fitted with an air cast and placed on a stretcher before being carted off with tears in his eyes.

“This was the hardest I’ve worked to put myself in a position to help this team succeed and having this happen crushes me,” Eifert wrote on Twitter. “If I’ve learned anything from before, it’s not a time for self pity and negativity. The only thing to do is move forward with optimism.

“With the support of my family, friends, trainers, teammates, and coaches, this will soon be another obstacle that was overcome and life will go on. Thanks to (everyone) who has sent prayers and well wishes my way!”

Eifert is no stranger to injuries, as he has played in just 14 games over the last three years.

The 28-year-old Eifert injured his ankle in the 2015 Pro Bowl, his debut in 2016 was delayed by a back injury and his 2016 and 2017 seasons ended with back surgeries. He also missed all of the 2014 campaign after injuring his elbow in the season opener.

“Obviously, you hate to see it for him, especially with a guy who’s gone through so much. To have something freak happen like that, it’s tough,” Dalton said.

C.J. Uzomah likely will assume starting duties in place of Eifert, who signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract in the offseason.

Eifert recorded 15 receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown in four games this season. He has collected 142 receptions for 1,716 yards and 21 scores in 43 career contests since being selected by the Bengals in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft.