Report: Bengals' Eifert could make season debut in Week 6

Tyler Eifert's 2016 debut was delayed by a back injury suffered in practice, but the Cincinnati Bengals believe the tight end has a shot at making his debut in Week 6 against the New England Patriots, a team official told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Eifert has been sidelined all season with an ankle injury sustained in the Pro Bowl. It appeared he was on course to start this Sunday, but the back injury - which head coach Marvin Lewis said is not serious - will force him to miss at least another week.

Eifert has been unable to practice since injuring his back, so his participation early in next week's sessions should hint at how likely a Week 6 debut is.

C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Kroft have been splitting reps in Eifert's absence.