Cincinnati Bengals likely short-handed vs Clevland Browns

November 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (85) catches a touchdown pass against Arizona Cardinals strong safety Tony Jefferson (22) during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The time has come again for the battle of Ohio to commence between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengal. The Browns will be starting Austin Davis at quarterback as Josh McCown will be out for the season. Johnny Manziel is still in the dog house after the Browns found out he was partying during their bye-week.

The Bengals, who have been relatively healthy and drama free, may be without one of their key players Sunday. It doesn’t look very good right now for breakout tight end Tyler Eifert to play in the game. The Bengals are huge favorites but look like they’ll be without the star tight end that missed practice again Thursday

Geoff Hobson of the team’s official website called Eifert “questionable at best” for Sunday’s game. Eifert hasn’t practiced all week after suffering a neck stinger in Sunday’s win over the St. Louis Rams. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis told SiriusXM NFL Radio that the team wanted to see how Eifert felt Thursday before deciding if he’ll play.

Thursday has come and gone and he didn’t practice so that makes it look like a no-go for Eifert. That’s a trusted red-zone target with 12 touchdowns, leading all tight ends, not playing in this game. It is widely understood wh0 both teams are this year but you gotta think the loss of Eifert makes this rivalry game a little closer.