CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins will make his season debut Monday night against the Washington Commanders.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor deemed Higgins “good to go” after practice today.
Higgins returned to practice Thursday and was listed as a limited participant. He went limited again Friday, but afterward, he said he’s planning on playing Monday.
Bengals Cautiously Optimistic Vonn Bell Can Play
No one in the Bengals locker room is more excited about Higgins’ return than fellow wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
“No double-teams, hopefully,” Chase said. “Well, I ain’t going to say no (double teams). But let’s say less double-teams.
“It’s been good just knowing he’s back, having him with good energy and just having a boys back out there,” Chase added. “That’s all it is. Feels good again.”
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is looking forward to having one of his favorite targets back as well.
“We’re obviously a better team with Tee out there,” Burrow said. “He’s going to continue to get healthier and healthier. Hopefully, we have him (on Monday). If we don’t, we still feel confident in the guys that we have. We’re obviously more dynamic and a much better team with Tee out there.”
In addition to Higgins, rookie defensive tackle Kris Jenkins will make his season debut Monday.
But there is a question mark in the secondary.
Starting safety Vonn Bell left Thursday’s practice with a back injury. Taylor said he’s optimistic Bell will be able to play, but they will continue to evaluate him over the next 24 hours.
Expect 2023 third-round pick Jordan Battle to start if Bell can’t go, with rookie seventh-round pick Daijahn Anthony remaining in his third-down role.
Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is out with the hamstring injury he suffered last week at Kansas City. B.J. Hill also left that game with a hamstring issue and is listed as doubtful, making Jenkins’ debut even more important.
Rookie offensive tackle Amarius Mims was a full participant for the first time since suffering the pectoral injury on Aug. 10 in the preseason opener.
Tight end Tanner Hudson missed his third consecutive practice with a knee injury and is out.
Bell being downgraded to a non-participant was the only change on the injury report.
