AFC North Notes: Bengals, Browns, Steelers

Bengals

Bengals TE Tyler Eifert says he has not suffered any setbacks regarding his back and will be “100 percent” for the regular season.

“There is no setback,” Eifert said, via Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer. “I’m feeling good. This is just the route we chose to take. Yeah, 100 percent.”

Browns

Browns HC Hue Jackson said he already sees first-round QB Baker Mayfield “progressing and improving” during the first day of training camp.

“[He] is progressing and improving,” Jackson said, via Pro Football Talk. “I saw some of that improvement today.”

Jackson explained that Mayfield had a tendency to flush the pocket when pressured, but was able to stand in the pocket and make throws during Thursday’s practice.

“Normally, he would flush out to the right side when pressure came,” Jackson said. “He stood in there, especially in our scoring zone area, and made some plays. He stood there and threw the football. That was good to see, but we have to continue to do that. This is the first day.”

Steelers

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, who has two years remaining on his contract, said he has been monitoring the contract situation of Packers QB Aaron Rodgers in regards to his possible future deal with Pittsburgh.

“Of course. How do you not?” Roethlisberger said, via Joe Rutter of the Tribune-Review. “That’s all they talk about (on TV), the quarterbacks who have gotten paid. Everyone is kind of antsy to see what Aaron is going to get. He deserves every penny.”

Roethlisberger added that there has not heard of any active negotiations between his agent and the Steelers, but he isn’t concerned about the situation.

“If there has been talk, it must be small because they haven’t told me about it,” Roethlisberger said. “I’m not worried about the contract stuff. I’ve got this year and next year, and I’m just going to focus on what I’m supposed to focus on.”

Roethlisberger mentioned that he would be fine with the Steelers waiting until his contract expires to pick up negotiations.

“Whatever they want to do is fine,” he said. “If they don’t want to do it until after my last year, so be it.”