Bengals Bytes (10/8): Tough choice

Still a Buckeye, once a Bengal

Archie Griffin, the man Ezekiel Elliott says is the greatest running back in the history of Ohio State football, is a little worried. Even though Zeke Elliott is currently carrying the scarlet-and-gray mantle in a spectacular rookie season in the NFL, Griffin is still painted in orange and black. "I’ve got to root for my Bengals, man," says Griffin from Columbus, where they’ll never let him retire. "I don’t mind Zeke playing well. But I’m a Bengals fan when it comes to pro football. I want him to play well, but I don’t want them to beat the Bengals.

Cowboys TE Jason Witten is a QB's best friend, Carlos Dunlap says

A reliable tight end is a security blanket for a rookie quarterback, and Dallas' Jason Witten is just that for Dak Prescott. The Bengals know it, too. And why not? At 34, Witten is essentially an ageless wonder. He hasn't missed a game since his rookie season in 2003. And he's still a big fixture in the Dallas Cowboys' offense, catching 21 passes for 189 yards this season.

Carolina Panthers' serious struggles; A.J. Green or Julio Jones?

Thomas Davis, Luke Kuechly and the Panthers already blew past their loss total from last season. Bucky Brooks explains Carolina's struggles. Plus, a great debate -- A.J. Green or Julio Jones? -- and more.

By The Numbers Game Preview: Week 5

It is the Bengals’ first regular-season visit to AT&T Stadium, otherwise known as “Jerry’s World.” It marks the third time in seven road games the Bengals have played their first game in a new stadium. Last December the Bengals won in San Francisco and last November lost in Glendale, Ariz.

Eifert out for Cowboys but Lewis hopeful for Pats

For the third straight day Friday, Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert didn’t surface in the locker room or on the practice field and was declared of Sunday's game (4:25 p.m.-Cincinnati’s Channel 12) in Dallas with a sore back. But while head coach Marvin Lewis offered his obligatory "We'll see," he's hopeful Eifert can be ready for next week’s game in New England for an All-World matchup with Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Bengals at Cowboys: Predictions, 3 keys

Beat writers Jim Owczarski and Paul Dehner Jr. make their predictions for the Bengals game on Sunday, and list three keys to a Cincinnati victory

Walkthru: Kroft, Uzomah ready for next steps

In the absence of Tyler Eifert, C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Kroft have gotten needed reps and game experience. Now, the pair of second-year tight ends look to take the next, bigger steps.

AFC North Bytes

What to watch in Sunday's game: Run-pass ratio, sacking Cousins and more

CSN's Sebastian Salazar and former NFL wide receiver Qadry Ismail break down potential key storylines of the Ravens-Redskins game.

Terrelle Pryor fined for LeBron celebration

Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor was fined $9,115 for using the ball as a prop while celebrating a touchdown last week at Washington, PFT has learned.

Adamski: McLendon ‘loves’ ex-teammates but has ‘moved on’ — and so have the Steelers, to Hargrave

When the New York Jets had some time off following an early-season Thursday night game last month, Steve McLendon could have chosen to hole up at home and rest. He could have taken a vacation. He could have visited family. Instead, McLendon was spotted in, of all places, an upcoming opponent’s locker room.

Random Bytes

What You Don’t Know About: Being A Tight End

Have you ever been bull-rushed by an NFL defensive end? It makes you ask yourself some tough questions. Like, "Why am I doing this right now?" and "How can I make it stop?" The first time I was on the business end of a bull rush was when I was a junior in college, and it’s something I’ll never forget.

NFL tells teams anthem protests aren’t impacting rating

Regarding the decline in people watching NFL games on TV, the league's official approach is this: There's nothing to see here. In a memo distributed to the 32 franchises, top executives Brian Rolapp and Howard Katz downplay the 11-percent reduction in ratings through four weeks of the season.

Tom Brady: Which NFL fan bases hate Patriots QB most?

A lot of people really don't like Tom Brady. But which NFL fan base dislikes Brady the most? In the #10 spot is the Pittsburgh Steelers and at #1 is the New York Jets. Who's in between?

NFL clarifies rule on sexual dances: 'If it looks like it, it probably is'

NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino clarified the rules on excessive celebrations in a video shared with the media Thursday. In addition to clarifying specifically what is and isn't allowed, Blandino discussed how referees would be enforcing the rule on "sexually suggestive" dancing that has taken over the spotlight in recent weeks.