CINCINNATI (AP) — On a day when star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was frequently double-teamed, tight end Mike Gesicki Last week, he led the Cincinnati Bengals to 91 yards on seven catches in their win over the back-to-back Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Cincinnati’s tight ends flourished with receiver Tee Higgins out with a hamstring injury in Week 2. Tight ends haven’t been Joe Burrow’s primary option in the passing game the last few seasons. Rookie Eric All Jr. had four catches for 32 yards, and Drew Sample had three catches for 28 yards against the Chiefs.
“Right now, defenses are trying to stop (Chase), so other guys need to step up,” Gesicki said.
Higgins is expected to return for Monday night’s game against Washington, giving Burrow another primary option.
In the season opener, Gesicki caught three passes from Burrow. Gesicki’s most athletic play of the game was when he leapt over a defender to catch the ball in the back corner of the end zone, but the catch did not count, as officials said he lost control of the ball as he fell to the ground.
Coach Zac Taylor said using the tight ends as receivers has been the game plan since training camp, especially after the Bengals lost third receiver Tyler Boyd in free agency.
At the very least, it will give the managers one more thing to think about when the two teams meet on Monday night.
“We have a lot of tight ends that we’re confident in putting on the field and making plays,” Burrow said, “so that’s a luxury we have this year.”
Gesicki, 28, a former New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins player, was acquired as a pass-catching option after seven years as a pro. He was signed to replace Irv Smith, who caught 18 passes for 115 yards and one touchdown last season.
The Bengals knew what kind of player Gesicki was when they signed the 6-foot-6, one-year, $2.5 million contract. In 2020 and ’21 with the Dolphins, Gesicki totaled 126 catches for 1,483 yards and eight touchdowns.
“Every week we’re going to see what opportunities the defensive formation gives us, and it’s good to have guys who can fill that role and play it effectively,” offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said. “Certainly, that’s going to be a big part of what we do going forward. There might be some weeks where it’s less important. It’s available to us.”
Cincinnati has high hopes for Orr, a fourth-round draft pick, and the Bengals’ two tight ends, who Cincinnati believes can develop into one of the best all-around tight ends the Bengals have ever had.
“He’s got it all, athletically,” Burrow said. “Big size, good speed, good strength. He catches the ball really well and continues to understand what we’re trying to do with concepts and schemes, so I’m excited for his future.”
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