Report: Bengals planning for Eifert to make 2016 debut vs. Browns

The Cincinnati Bengals are planning for tight end Tyler Eifert to make his season debut Sunday against the Cleveland Browns on a limited snap count, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Eifert missed the first few games of the year while recovering from offseason ankle surgery, and his return was further delayed when he suffered a back injury during practice heading into Week 5.

Though the limited workload suggests the Bengals are maintaining caution in his return, even a rotational role could provide a significant upgrade in third-down and red-zone passing situations.

Eifert is coming off a 2015 campaign in which his 52 receptions for 615 yards and 13 touchdowns earned him the first Pro Bowl nod of his career.

After taking a few games to settle in and find his rhythm, it likely won't be long before he reemerges as the No. 2 target for the Bengals' passing attack behind star receiver A.J. Green.