Bengals coach Zac Taylor on Gesicki's pectoral injury: "It's going to be a while."

The Cincinnati Bengals will be without tight end Mike Gesicki for an extended period due to a pectoral injury, adding further challenges to an already struggling team.

Why it matters: Gesicki's absence comes at a critical juncture for the Bengals, who are trying to regain their footing after a disheartening 2-4 start to the season.

• With Joe Burrow on injured reserve due to turf toe, the offense has struggled, and losing another key player like Gesicki may complicate efforts to generate consistent production.
• The Bengals have not won since Burrow’s injury, indicating a need for stronger performances from remaining offensive personnel.

What’s new: Head coach Zac Taylor confirmed that Gesicki will miss the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

• In six games this season, Gesicki has managed only eight receptions for 61 yards, reflecting a limited impact on an offense that has been searching for answers.

Yes, but: The Bengals face additional injury concerns beyond Gesicki.

• Defensive end Trey Hendrickson is considered day-to-day with a back injury that sidelined him for the second half of the recent game against the Packers.
• Tight end Tanner Hudson is currently in concussion protocol following a touchdown catch against Green Bay, leaving the Bengals’ depth at the position vulnerable.

Our thought bubble: The injuries may force the Bengals to reevaluate their offensive strategy.

• Without pivotal players, they might need to rely more heavily on their run game or utilize younger receivers in a more prominent role to keep defenses honest.

Zoom Out: This situation exemplifies the struggles faced by teams dealing with multiple injuries in a competitive league.

• The Bengals challenges highlight how quickly a team's fortunes can change due to unforeseen circumstances, especially in a division as tough as the AFC North.

The bottom line: As the Bengals prepare for their matchup against the Steelers, the focus will be on how they adapt to these setbacks.

• Success hinges on finding ways to mitigate the impact of injuries while maximizing the potential of the players still on the field.