ARLINGTON, Tex. _ With tight end Tyler Kroft expected to start Saturday night against the Cowboys, look for Tyler Eifert to make his one and pre-season appearance next Sunday in Buffalo.
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis' expected-to-play list had no surprises. Linebackers Vontaze Burfict (foot) and Vincent Rey (ankle), defensive tackles Josh Tupou (knee) and Andrew Brown (hamstring) were scratches. So was wide receiver Cody Core (ailment unknown), meaning rookie phenom wide receiver Auden Tate was going to get a lot of his looks in the kicking game.
Cornerbacks Tony McRae (ankle) and Sojourn Shelton (thumb, wrist) are still away aways with the injuries they suffered in the first few days of camp.
Look for No. 3 quarterback Jeff Driskel to get a shot with the first group after Andy Dalton leaves. If it mirrors the week of practice, starter Trey Hopkins and backup Alex Redmond are going to alternate.
Eifert made the trip and worked out with rehab chief Nick Cosgray.
FIELD OF SEAMS: Bengals officials expressed some concern about the turf at A&T Stadium, which is new and was installed a few days ago. As players warmed up a few hours before the game, workers used scissors to work on a field that is velcroed together and is filled with rubber. There were fairly prominent seams about every ten yards or and there were worries about the footing.
POLLACK GREETS: Bengals offensive line coach Frank Pollack, the Cowboys O-line coach the past three seasons, chatted with some of his former players and coach coaching colleagues. Paul Alexander, his opposite number in Cincinnati and Dallas had yet to appear.
