The Cincinnati Bengals have struggled in recent weeks, and their Week 11 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers was a huge blow to their playoff chances.
Also featured in the 34-12 loss was Ja'Marr Chase spitting on Steelers DB Jalen Rams ey. Chase was suspended for this incident, reducing the weapons at Joe Flacco's disposal in Week 12 against the New England Patriots.
However, as NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports, the Bengals did get some encouraging news on one of their weapons for Flacco. Rapoport reports that tight end Mike Gesicki's practice window is open.
Bengals get encouraging Mike Gesicki injury update
"Bengals TE Mike Gesicki, who is on Injured Reserve because of a pec injury, was designated to return to practice today," Rapoport reports. "More good injury news for Cincy."
The Bengals getting Gesicki back for their Week 12 matchup against the Patriots is far from a guarantee, but this is still some good news for the Bengals' offense.
Gesicki won't replace Chase even if he is back, but his presence on the field should help broaden the Bengals' passing attack.
After a strong 2024 season in Cincinnati, where he had 65 receptions for 665 yards and two touchdowns on 83 targets, the Bengals extended him on a significant three-year, $25.5 million contract.
More: Bengals' Zac Taylor reveals key Joe Burrow update ahead of Week 12
He's missed the majority of the 2025 season with this pec injury, but now slated to return to practice, he could add to his eight receptions for 61 yards this season.
Gesicki won't match his 2024 production, but he's only played one and a half games with Joe Burrow, and none with Flacco this season.
Noah Fant has been solid for the Bengals, but Gesicki's return could mean the Bengals' passing attack, especially without Chase, could be spread out in Week 12 against the Patriots.
This is some good injury news for the Bengals, as one of their big offseason signings is set to come back to the offense in the near future.
More Bengals News:
- Bengals Ja'Marr Chase to sit out one game, as NFL will reportedly uphold his suspension
- Ja'Marr Chase suspension: Why spitting incident with Jalen Ramsey led to one-game ban
- How Ja'Marr Chase's suspension can cost Bengals' WR over $500,000
- Bengals' defense graded as worst in NFL history through 10 games since 1978
- Bengals get brutal injury update on second-round standout defender