Tyler Eifert, Vontaze Burfict injured

[Jungletiger]

Tyler Eifert, Vontaze Burfict injured

Updated: September 7, 2014, 3:41 PM ET

By Coley Harvey | ESPN.com

BALTIMORE -- Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert and linebacker Vontaze Burfict have both been ruled out after sustaining injuries in Sunday's physical game against the Ravens.

Eifert left late in the first quarter with an elbow injury. Burfict left with a concussion. Burfict was run from the game at the end of the second quarter when he struck Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco hard. Under the extreme pressure, Flacco still delivered a perfectly placed pass despite being pushed violently onto his backside by Burfict. The pass was dropped by Flacco's receiver.

Burfict had trouble getting himself off the turf after the play. After he originally stood up, he wobbled back to a knee twice. He also was jawing briefly with Ravens players who seemed to take exception to him hitting Flacco as he threw. Eventually, trainers helped Burfict to the sideline, where they evaluated him before leading him in near the half.

AP Photo/Nick WassTyler Eifert, who struggled with a shoulder injury throughout the preseason, left Sunday's season opener with an elbow injury.

Before leaving the game, Burfict had four tackles, a pass deflection and forced and recovered a fumble when he stripped Ravens running back Bernard Pierce. Burfict also had one tackle for loss on another Pierce carry.

Eifert's elbow injury came as the Bengals were driving on their final drive of the opening quarter. Quarterback Andy Dalton delivered a 20-yard pass to Eifert, who spun around as he avoided a tackler before leaving his feet. When Eifert awkwardly landed, he immediately grabbed his right arm and could be seen screaming in pain as teammates waved the trainers onto the field.

The tight end was only down for about two minutes before trainers and teammates helped him to his feet. Fellow tight ends Jermaine Gresham and Alex Smith were among those who tapped Eifert on the helmet as he walked off the field holding his right arm close to his body. He was immediately rushed into the locker room for observation. Eifert had three catches for 37 yards before leaving the game.

The injury came on the same play the Bengals finally threw a tight end seam pass, a play they had incorporated often in open training-camp practices, but one they shied from discussing much about. It also was the longest reception Eifert had.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11482685/tyler-eifert-vontaze-burfict-cincinnati-bengals-injured-baltimore-ravens