The Cincinnati Bengals have a lot of confidence despite losing to the Denver Broncos. The team is preparing to play their final game of the regular season before heading into a playoff spot already guaranteed. However, the team has some injuries that could be major causes for concern moving forward. While AJ McCarron risks missing Sunday with a wrist injury, Tyler Eifert made a welcome return to the practice field.
According to Paul Dehner of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Eifert has been cleared to play in the season finale after missing two games with a concussion. The tight end has been a critical piece to the offense this year with 13 touchdown catches. As the Bengals look to wrap up a first-round bye, having Eifert on the field will be critical as Tyler Kroft as been starting in his spot.
"I'm feeling good. I'm cleared and I'm ready to play," Eifert said, via ESPN.com. "It hasn't been fun the last couple weeks, especially out there in Denver with everything that was on the line and the atmosphere. It was tough not playing. But I'm good to go now, so that's all that matters."
With Eifert back on the field, the Bengals now shift their attention to McCarron and his wrist injury. The quarterback suffered a sprained wrist in the loss to Denver, but told the media he is ready to play on Sunday without any issues. The Bengals have a lot of confidence in McCarron which is good since he could be starting in the playoffs. According to NFL.com, Andy Dalton is not close to a return leaving McCarron as their best option and the Bengals are ok with that.
"Oh, there's no question in my mind that we can win a playoffs game with AJ McCarron," offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth said, via ESPN.com. "He has enough leadership and character. The most important thing for a quarterback is how the guys feel in the huddle with him, and the confidence that they have around him. There's not a guy that doesn't doubt that (McCarron's) going to come in and give us the best he's got, and he's going to make good decisions and those kinds of things."
The Bengals will be preparing to face the Baltimore Ravens in a very winnable game on Sunday. Having Eifert back will be critical along with Jeremy Hill and AJ Green. Marvin Jones has improved with McCarron on the field while Giovani Bernard will continue to help with the rushing attack.
