Bengals TE Eifert (back) not ready, hits PUP list

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert continues to be unavailable as the Cincinnati Bengals open training camp.

Eifert was placed on the physically unable to perform list, and his chronic back issues kept him sidelined for most of the offseason.

Linebacker Vontaze Burfict also was placed on the non-football injury list for undisclosed reasons. He last played a full 16-game schedule in 2013. He won't reach more than 12 games played in 2018; he will start the season on the suspended list for four games due to a violation of league performance-enhancing drugs rules.

Eifert and Burfict can return to practice once medically cleared. Per restricted list rules, neither could then be carried over to the PUP or NFI list in the regular season.

Head coach Marvin Lewis said during minicamp the Bengals are being extra cautious with Eifert practicing on turf. He had back surgery in 2017.

Eifert signed a one-year deal as an unrestricted free agent with the goal of staying in the Cincinnati offense while upping his value and returning to the market in March 2019.

Eifert appeared in two games last season and has missed 41 games -- and played in 39 -- in his career.

Eifert has 127 career receptions and 20 touchdowns.

--Field Level Media