Bengals’ latest roster move clears the way for Week 1 starter to come back into the picture ahead of TNF game vs. Steelers
Cincinnati loses one starter but can gain back another.
The Cincinnati Bengals have placed tight end Mike Gesicki on the Reserve/Injured list.
Gesicki, who has eight receptions for 61 yards this year, suffered a pectoral injury last Sunday against the Green Bay Packers and did not return to the game. He will now miss at least the next four games.
The Bengals have their bye week following their next three games, so the earliest Gesick can return is Week 12 against the New England Patriots. Gesicki played for New England during the 2023.
Gesicki’s true return date is very much up in the air. Head coach Zac Taylor said he could be out for a while. That he’s now on Injured Reserve, however, does clear up a spot on the 53-man roster a day before Thursday’s night matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and there’s an obvious name to fill that spot.
Lucas Patrick should be in line for 53-man roster activation
Cincinnati now has six players on I.R., and only one of them has been designated to return.
Lucas Patrick, who started at right guard in Week 1, began practicing again last week after missing four games with a calf injury. Patrick can practice for another week before the 21-day window the team has to activate him to the roster closes.
Now that a roster spot has opened up, activating Patrick is the logical next step.
Patrick would likely be starting at RG if he didn’t get hurt during the season-opener. He was replaced by Dalton Risner, who was then replaced for rookie Jalen Rivers in Week 3 and officially benched the week after. Risner started for the injured Dylan Fairchild at left guard in Week 6.
More depth along the interior of the offensive line is always welcomed, and the Bengals still have four TEs on the active roster without Gesicki. Tanner Hudson is currently in the concussion protocol and is unlikely to play Thursday, but that still leaves them with three. Cincinnati has just eight OL on the roster without Patrick.
The Bengals will need to figure out how long Gesicki is sidelined for, but in the meantime, they can get back to full strength up front by officially returning Patrick to the roster right before their next game.
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