Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas is going on injured reserve with a torn thumb ligament. Head coach Zac Taylor told the media Wednesday that the injury should not end Iosivas’ season, but he will be sidelined for at least four weeks.
As the Bengals offense continues to find its footing, their starting third receiver will now be on the shelf for at least the next month, leaving opportunities for other players, both veterans and younger players, to step up and find a role in the offense.
Here are three players that will have to step up in his absence:
Mike Gesicki
Gesicki is listed as a tight end, but he is effectively another wide receiver for Cincinnati. He will line up outside a lot, and with Iosivas out, we could see him start taking snaps in the slot. After five receptions, 78 yards, and a touchdown in Week 1, Gesicki went without a catch in Week 2.
Look for Gesicki’s role to increase now that Iosivas is out of the lineup.
Dohnte Meyers
Meyers was exciting this preseason and has found himself getting limited opportunities on offense to start the season. Meyers may start to see those opportunities expand with a hole in the receiver room. He has logged one reception for 18 yards and one rush for 10 yards so far this season, as well as taking on return duties.
Meyers made enough of a splash in August to make the team and seems to have a good relationship with Joe Burrow, so he could find himself more involved in the offense.
Colbie Young
Young hasn’t had much of an impact on offense this year, but that could change. The rookie fourth-rounder has logged one reception for seven yards so far this season and has played on special teams, but Zac Taylor could opt to tap into his skill set more and give him chances in the slot with Iosivas sidelined. There is plenty to like about Young’s potential, his big frame and his ability to go up and get 50/50 balls.
Whoever sees a bigger role in the offense should have plenty of opportunities. As opposing defenses try to figure out how to stop Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Burrow should be able to find his third option in plenty of 1 on 1 situations going forward. It could be a mix of these three players, too. It will be interesting to see how the coaching staff fills the void.
