The Cincinnati Bengals were hoping for the 2025 season to be a bounce-back year after missing the playoffs in consecutive seasons. However, a Week 2 injury to Joe Burrow derailed matters entirely, with backup Jake Browning not climbing the heights he’d shown in 2023.
As the team has continued to fall in the standings, even with Joe Flacco assuming quarterback duties, the defense has been unable to provide the offense with any support. Moreover, other players on the offense, such as tight end Mike Gesicki, have also missed significant time throughout the season.
When Will Mike Gesicki Return?
A second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Gesicki had a solid run with the Miami Dolphins before a very underwhelming season with the New England Patriots paved the way for Cincinnati to pick him up in the 2024 offseason.
Adding depth to an already excellent receiving core, he had a bounce-back season last year, tallying 665 receiving yards and two touchdowns, which led to a three-year contract extension worth $25.5 million this summer.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to pay dividends for that deal. With Burrow getting injured in Week 2, Gesicki remained in the lineup for just four more weeks before suffering a pectoral injury ahead of Flacco’s debut with the franchise.
As a result, he had virtually no production, tallying just 61 yards on eight catches through six games. Soon after the injury, he was placed on the injured reserve list, which would keep him out for a minimum of four weeks.
That would put him for a return anytime from Week 11 onwards. After missing their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team received some positive news ahead of Week 12. Beginning with their practices on Wednesday, Gesicki’s 21-day return window off IR was finally opened.
In his absence, Noah Fant has shouldered a majority of the tight end receptions and had a terrific season so far. Ranked 27th on PFSN’s TE Impact, he is up to 256 yards and three touchdowns in nine outings.
Gesicki returning to the lineup should open up the offense even further, particularly in the red zone. After an extremely slow start to the season, he will be looking to come back with a vengeance.
Last week, Burrow was also opened for his return window. At 3-7, the state of the AFC North does give Cincy an outside chance to remain in the hunt. However, that will require the team to go on a heater even before their franchise quarterback returns.
Simply put, Gesicki cannot come back soon enough.
