CINCINNATI – Tyler Eifert's injury in the Pro Bowl last January could make his status iffy for the Bengals' opener.
The tight end will undergo minor surgery on his left ankle, according to multiple media reports. Recovery is expected to take three months, which would sideline him for training camp and probably all of the preseason games.
The Bengals open in 3 ½ months, Sept. 11, at the Jets.
Team doctors had thought they could treat the injury without surgery, but it hasn't responded to their satisfaction, reports say. Eifert came down hard on the ankle while trying to catch a pass.
The 6-6 Eifert, a key weapon in the Bengals' offense, had 52 catches and 13 touchdowns in 13 games last season. In 2014, he had a season-ending injury – a dislocated elbow - in the first game.
