Tyler Eifert questionable to play vs Browns; game time decision

After taking part in his first team snaps during the Bengals’ Thursday practice, the team has ruled Tyler Eifert questionable to play in Week 7 against the Browns.

This marks the first time all year that Eifert wasn’t made doubtful or out for a Bengals game.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said they'll make a decision on his status Sunday, according to ESPN.

“In my mind, I’m ready,” Eifert told Dayton Daily News on Thursday. “I don’t think there’s anything else I would have to pass.”

“That’s encouraging for me, just to get my confidence back,” Eifert said. “Being able to run around out there and cut it loose and not think about my ankle, not think about my back or anything else. It was good.”

It seems likely that Eifert will be active on Sunday for the first time in the 2016 season. But, it’s safe to assume he’ll be on a limited snap count as he works his way back to being football ready.

Eifert originally hurt his ankle in the Pro Bowl in January and was nearly ready to come back in Week 5 before he injured his back in practice. After two weeks, it now appears Eifert is ready to hit the field and help the Bengals make a comeback from their 2-4 start to the season.

This is great news for the Bengals who can surely use the services of their top red zone target and touchdown machine. Eifert scored 13 touchdowns in 2015, which led all tight ends and broke a franchise record for the most touchdowns scored by a tight end in one season in Bengals history.

The Bengals play the Browns on Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium. The team will release its inactive list at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, at which point we’ll know for sure whether or not Eifert is going to play.