Who Should I Start? Mike Gesicki or Chig Okonkwo

Tuesday, August 5, 12:32 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (undisclosed) will not play in the preseason opener on Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles due to an undisclosed injury, according to Ben Baby of ESPN. Gesicki said he'd be questionable but optimistic if it was a game week during the regular season. The Bengals will play their starters for a little bit on Thursday, but Gesicki won't be included while he manages what is likely a minor injury. The 29-year-old appeared to injure his leg during a scrimmage over the weekend on Saturday, but fantasy managers will want to check back for more updates on Gesicki. Hopefully, he's back on the field again sooner than later. A longer than expected absence would open up more playing time for new TE Noah Fant. When healthy, Gesicki is merely a low-end TE2 in fantasy while being overshadowed by bit-time receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Saturday, August 2, 6:55 PM

Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo "continues to look like he has an extra gear," according to team reporter JT Ruhnke. The 25-year-old has spent his entire career in Music City since being drafted by the team in 2022. He's appeared in all 17 regular-season games in each of his three seasons. While Okonkwo hasn't been consistently productive, he at least flashed some signs of promise by totaling 138 receptions for 1,457 yards and six touchdowns. He'll have plenty of competition for targets in 2025, with Tyler Lockett, Calvin Ridley, and Van Jefferson all looking for attention. The Titans will also presumably have rookie quarterback Cam Ward under center, although it's realistic to assume he might struggle on occasion. With so much anticipated volatility at the tight end position, Okonkwo could find himself in fantasy lineups this season. However, fantasy managers shouldn't expect consistent production from him on a week-to-week basis.