The Facts: Eifert hasn't been cleared for practice heading into the Cincinnati Bengals' opener on Sunday at the New York Jets, the first of several games he's expected to miss as he recovers from ankle surgery.

Diehards Line: Eifert and defensive tackle Brandon Thompson (knee) were the only players working out on a side field during practice on Monday. Eifert had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left ankle, an injury suffered at the Pro Bowl. Eifert set a club record for a tight end with 13 touchdown catches last season. The Bengals don't have another tight end that can catch the ball as dependably which might be good news for Giovani Bernard and A.J. Green owners early on.