Bengals TE Eifert practices after activation from PUP list
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert was on the field for the first time this training camp after being activated from the physically unable to perform list on Monday.
Eifert, who missed all but two games last season due to back surgery, is being eased in slowly by the Bengals. He took limited reps on Monday and sat out contact drills like goal-line work and blitz pickup. He told reporters after practice that his reps will remain limited for a while, but he does not have physical limitations.
Having missed 41 games in five years as a pro, the 2013 first-round pick is aware of the perception that he's unable to stay healthy.
"I know my history and what's happened, so I understand how it could be frustrating as fans and all that, hearing 'Oh he's on PUP list again or whatever,'" Eifert told the media. "But trust me, it's 100 times more frustrating for me because all I want to do is be out there, and I'm doing literally everything I can, spending all my time trying to get back out there and stay out there with the guys."
Eifert told reporters last week that there was no setback in his recovery and he is "100-percent" certain he will be ready for Week 1.
The 27-year-old totaled 52 catches for 615 yards and 13 scores in 13 games to earn a Pro Bowl berth in 2015, the only time since 2013 that he has played more than eight games in a season. He had just four grabs for 46 yards before being shut down last season.
The Bengals also activated tight end/fullback Ryan Hewitt from the non-football injury list, allowing him to practice for the first time in camp.
Hewitt, 27, is primarily a blocker, having caught 22 passes for 220 yards in 60 career games (38 starts).
--Field Level Media
