Mike Gesicki Injury Update: Bengals TE Placed on IR, Ruled Out for Week 7 vs. Steelers

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki will miss at least the next four weeks after being placed on injured reserve with a pectoral injury, the team confirmed ahead of their Week 7 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The news is a significant blow to a Bengals offense already struggling without star quarterback Joe Burrow.

Head coach Zac Taylor said after the Week 6 loss to the Green Bay Packers that Gesicki’s injury would sideline him “for a while.” The timeline has now been clarified with his IR designation, meaning the veteran tight end will be unavailable until at least mid-November.

Mike Gesicki Injury Timeline and Latest Details

Mike Gesicki, a second-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2018, has been one of the NFL’s most durable tight ends throughout his career. He played all 17 games in six of his seven seasons and was expected to be a key part of Cincinnati’s offense in 2025 after signing a three-year, $25.5 million contract in 2024.

After a difficult 2023 season with the New England Patriots, Gesicki rebounded in 2024 with 665 yards and two touchdowns, becoming a reliable option in the Bengals’ passing game. Expectations were high heading into 2025, but the season quickly turned challenging for Cincinnati. Burrow’s turf toe injury sidelined him for at least three months, forcing the Bengals to sign veteran quarterback Joe Flacco after backup Jake Browning struggled.

Gesicki’s production mirrored the offense’s decline. Through six weeks, he had just 61 receiving yards and failed to surpass 20 yards in any game. His injury occurred in Week 6 against the Packers, and medical evaluations revealed a pectoral issue serious enough to warrant an extended absence. Taylor told reporters, “It’s going to be a while. We’ll just see what that means.” That “while” is now official with Gesicki’s placement on injured reserve.

The earliest Gesicki can return is Week 11, depending on his recovery progress. In his absence, tight end Noah Fant is expected to see an increased workload, becoming a primary short-to-intermediate target for Flacco as Cincinnati attempts to salvage its season.

Bengals’ Offensive Outlook Without Mike Gesicki

The Bengals entered the 2025 season with high expectations for their offense, anchored by star receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The return of Gesicki was supposed to strengthen their passing attack, particularly in the middle of the field. Instead, injuries and inconsistent quarterback play have derailed their plans.

Without Burrow and Gesicki, Cincinnati’s offense ranks among the league’s least productive units. The absence of Gesicki removes a dependable red-zone and third-down option, placing even more pressure on Chase, Higgins, and the running game. It also shifts more responsibility onto Fant, who will have a chance to reestablish himself as a starting-caliber tight end after a quiet start to the year.

For a Bengals team already in a four-game losing streak, Gesicki’s injury compounds their offensive struggles. With games against the Steelers and Jets on the horizon, Cincinnati must quickly adapt if it hopes to stay competitive in the AFC North race.

Mike Gesicki’s injury is a major setback for the Bengals as they try to turn their season around. His return will be closely monitored, but for now, Cincinnati will need to find answers without one of their key offensive weapons.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is Mike Gesicki’s injury?

Gesicki suffered a pectoral injury during the Bengals’ Week 6 loss to the Packers. The team placed him on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least four weeks.

Q2: Will Mike Gesicki play in Week 7?

No, Gesicki will not play against the Steelers in Week 7. His IR status makes him ineligible for the next four games.

Q3: When can Mike Gesicki return?

The earliest Gesicki could return is Week 11, depending on his recovery timeline. The Bengals have not provided a specific return date.

Q4: Who will replace Mike Gesicki?

Noah Fant is expected to step into a larger role at tight end while Gesicki recovers, becoming a key target in the Bengals’ passing attack.

Q5: How does Gesicki’s injury affect the Bengals’ offense?

His absence removes a reliable third-down and red-zone target, increasing pressure on Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and the running game.