Bengals tight ends Tyler Eifert and Jermaine Gresham sat on Friday

So, will there be any tight ends Sunday?

Filed under the "cautionary tale", it's possible that Cincinnati won't have tight ends Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert this weekend. Gresham was limited on Tuesday with a hamstring, which kept him out on Thursday. Eifert suffered a neck injury last week against the Minnesota Vikings and hasn't practiced yet. Both players sat during the early portion of Friday's practice when the media is allowed to watch. Even Alex Smith, who worked through his concussion protocols, only practiced for the first time on Thursday.

Orson Charles anybody? Figure that Smith is your starter with Charles being the Tyler Eifert of the group if neither Eifert or Gresham can go.

Gresham and Eifert might be strong enough to play, but considering that the Bengals will host a playoff game this year, we have to wondering how much they'll risk playing them. Marvin Lewis said that the proverbial foot will lean against the proverbial pedal to the proverbial metal, playing the starters with the intention of winning the game.

But if it's a question about injury, I don't see them being a factor at all -- even if they're active.

Defensive tackle Devon Still and cornerback Terence Newman also sat on Friday. Since neither practiced this week, it's fair to assume that both will sit on Sunday.

Under the file of good news, linebacker Vontaze Burfict was finally practicing after passing concussion protocols.