Bengals WR Andrei Iosivas to injured reserve with torn thumb ligament
The short version
- Andrei Iosivas placed on injured reserve with a torn thumb ligament
- Zac Taylor says the injury should not end Iosivas' season; minimum four weeks out
- Mike Gesicki, Dohnte Meyers and Colbie Young candidates for bigger roles
- Iosivas was the Bengals' starting third receiver behind Chase and Higgins
Cincinnati's third receiver will miss at least four weeks, opening snaps for Mike Gesicki, Dohnte Meyers and rookie Colbie Young.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas has been placed on injured reserve with a torn ligament in his thumb, head coach Zac Taylor announced Wednesday.
Taylor indicated the injury is not expected to end Iosivas' season, but the receiver will be out for a minimum of four weeks. Iosivas had been serving as the team's starting third receiver behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
His absence creates openings in the offense. Tight end Mike Gesicki, who caught five passes for 78 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 but was held without a catch in Week 2, could see more work, including snaps in the slot.
Second-year option Dohnte Meyers and rookie fourth-round pick Colbie Young could also see expanded roles. Meyers has one catch for 18 yards and a 10-yard rush this season, while Young has one reception for seven yards.
With defenses focused on Chase and Higgins, quarterback Joe Burrow should find his third option in favorable one-on-one matchups while Iosivas recovers.
