Competition among Cincinnati Bengals TE's takes on added significance

CINCINNATI -- Cincinnati Bengals tight ends are accountable for their performance, and they pay handsomely for a lack thereof -- 10 pushups for a dropped pass, 15 for a mental mistake.

"We get an earful in the meeting rooms," said Bengals tight end C.J. Uzomah. "We make sure (mistake) happens once. It's never something that's a big thing ... like we didn't notice the front the defense was in, or (something)."

The competition amongst the tight ends often is free-spirited, but it's taken on added significance during this month's organized team activities (OTAs).

Pro Bowl tight end Tyler Eifert is out with a left ankle injury. He underwent surgery on the ankle and recovery was estimated at three months, meaning he could miss the start of the season.

Eifert's absence is notable during OTAs, but offensive coordinator Ken Zampese likes what he's seen from Uzomah and Tyler Kroft, both second-year players.

"I'd sure like to have Eifert out there," Zampese said. "But I also like getting reps for the younger guys so we can accelerate their process as well. They're doing a nice job and we've got a whole bunch more practices to go."

Eifert, a first-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2013, suffered the injury in the Pro Bowl, a trip he earned after having 52 catches for 615 yards and 13 touchdowns.

It's not the first time Eifert's been out with injury. He missed three games last year with a concussion and a stinger. He dislocated his elbow in the season-opener in 2014 and missed the remainder of the season.

For now, Cincinnati must prepare for the 2106 season with Kroft who had 11 catches last year for 129 yards and one touchdown, and Uzomah who had just one catch in his rookie season out of Auburn. Rookie Matt Lengel, an Eastern Kentucky University product, is in the mix as well.

Uzomah said he's approaching OTAs and training camp as an opportunity to get valuable reps and gain experience while Eifert is out.

"I don't think it's pressure," Uzomah said. "We've been here for a year now, we know the offense, know the plays. It's time for us to step up."