CINCINNATI — The Bengals were without tight end Tyler Eifert for the second consecutive day because of a neck injury.
Eifert made a heads-up play on Sunday when he trailed running back Gio Bernard’s long gainer putting him in position to recover the fumble after Bernard was stripped from behind.
But Eifert’s hustle proved costly as he suffered a stinger and was forced to leave the game.
Tests showed no structural damage but the fact that he missed the two primary practice sessions this week would indicate he’s doubtful for Sunday’s game at Cleveland. Eifert leads all NFL receivers with 12 touchdown catches this season.
He’s not the only starter on the mend and possibly headed to the sideline for Week 13.
Cornerback Adam Jones, still nursing a foot injury, was held out of practice both Wednesday and Thursday. He missed the Nov. 22 game at Arizona but returned last Sunday and had four tackles in the win over the Rams. Jones did not return punts, however, and told reporters he was no better than 65 percent in that game.
Linebacker Vontaze Burfict who returned mid-season after offseason knee surgery did not practice on Thursday. He was not listed on the injury report this week and the reason for his absence from practice was not immediately available.