The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into Week 8 against the New York Jets with more tape and ice packs than momentum, and that’s not what fans had in mind for midseason football. A year that began with playoff expectations has quickly turned into a fight for survival. Injuries have piled up, confidence has dipped, and now the Bengals are facing a tough road matchup that could define their season.
The Jets, meanwhile, are coming off a strong defensive performance. So, can a battered Cincinnati team find a way to steady the ship and pull off a win? Let’s look at who’s in, who’s out, and why this Sunday feels like a turning point for the Bengals.
Cincinnati Bengals Injury Update
Joe Burrow Injury Update
Let’s start with the big one. Joe Burrow won’t be suiting up this week again because of his toe injury. The franchise quarterback is still recovering from surgery for Grade 3 turf toe and remains on injured reserve. According to Bleacher Report, Burrow is targeting a possible mid-December return, but nothing is guaranteed.
In his place, Joe Flacco continues to lead the offense. He’s shown flashes of confidence and accuracy. But let’s be honest, no one can replicate Burrow’s command, leadership, or chemistry with Ja’Marr Chase. Until Burrow returns, the Bengals’ offensive identity will remain a work in progress under the veteran arm of Flacco.
Trey Hendrickson Injury Update
On the defensive side, Trey Hendrickson has been dealing with back and hip issues that have limited him in practice this week. Head coach Zac Taylor said there is a good chance Hendrickson plays against the Jets, but it will likely come down to how he feels on game day.
If Hendrickson can’t suit up, the Bengals will lose their defensive heartbeat. He’s the engine of their pass rush and the player offenses are forced to game plan around. Without him, the defensive front loses a major edge.
Mike Gesicki Injury Update
Tight end Mike Gesicki is also out after being placed on injured reserve with a pectoral injury. His absence removes one of the Bengals’ most reliable red-zone options and an experienced presence who knows how to exploit soft coverage.
With Gesicki sidelined, offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher will need to get creative. Expect more opportunities for Tanner Hudson if he clears concussion protocol, or possibly more two-receiver sets to balance out the play-calling.
Tanner Hudson Injury Update
Tanner Hudson is still in the NFL’s concussion protocol and is listed as questionable for the next game on Sunday, Oct. 26. His status is more important than it might seem. Without Gesicki, Hudson has been Cincinnati’s most dependable pass-catching tight end. If he isn’t cleared in time, the Bengals could be forced to elevate a depth player from the practice squad, which would limit their flexibility in both passing and blocking situations.
Charlie Jones Injury Update
Wide receiver Charlie Jones remains questionable with a rib injury that has kept him limited in practice all week. Jones has contributed on special teams and in select offensive packages. And as he’s unable to play, rookie Andrei Iosivas has gotten an increased role. His speed and route-running ability are valuable, especially with Burrow sidelined and the offense still searching for rhythm.
Cordell Volson Injury Update
Guard Cordell Volson’s season-ending shoulder injury continues to hurt the Bengals’ offensive line. Volson suffered a shoulder injury during a training camp practice on Aug. 15, forcing him to miss time during the preseason. The interior blocking and run protection have struggled to find consistency since his absence. The team has rotated several linemen to fill the gap, but the chemistry just hasn’t returned.
What does it mean for the Bengals vs. the Jets?
Cincinnati heads into MetLife Stadium short-handed and searching for answers. With Joe Burrow, Mike Gesicki, and Cordell Volson out, and with Trey Hendrickson, Charlie Jones, and Tanner Hudson still questionable, this matchup is more about endurance than dominance.
The Bengals will need to simplify their offensive approach with short passes, quick reads, and ball control with Joe Flacco at the helm. Defensively, if Hendrickson isn’t at full strength, getting consistent pressure on the quarterback could become a serious problem.
This is one of those weeks where grit, coaching, and execution will matter more than talent. Can Cincinnati find a way to grind out a win despite all the setbacks? If they do, it’ll be because the backups stepped up and delivered their best football of the season.