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    What Happened To Tee Higgins? A Look at When the Bengals WR Will Return After Thanksgiving Game Absence

    Tee Higgins has been a vital part of the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense throughout the 2025 NFL season. However, a concussion suffered in his most recent outing forced him to the locker room early, leaving a massive hole in the lineup ahead of a short week.

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    Tee Higgins Injury Update

    The Bengals host the Baltimore Ravens in a prime-time Thanksgiving showdown to kick off Week 13. They are desperate for a victory to snap a four-game losing streak, but they will have to try to end that skid without one of their biggest stars.

    Higgins was knocked out of the recent game against the New England Patriots due to a head injury and remains in concussion protocol.

    With the short turnaround for Thursday Night Football, there wasn’t enough time for him to clear the necessary medical hurdles. He has already been ruled out for the contest, according to Zac Taylor, per Mike Garafolo.

    The injury report delivers a double blow to a team barely hanging onto its playoff hopes. Star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson has also been ruled out, leaving the Bengals shorthanded as they try to improve on a disappointing 3-8 record. While they have not been mathematically eliminated, time is quickly running out.

    MORE: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Caleb Downs Lands in Cincinnati, Steelers Find a WR to Pair with D.K. Metcalf

    The loss of Higgins is particularly damaging given his recent form. He currently ranks 28th among all wide receivers on PFSN’s Impact Rankings and was serving as the offense’s top option against New England while Ja’Marr Chase served a one-game suspension. His early exit in that game left the unit scrambling.

    However, the offense will see some familiar faces return against the Ravens. Chase is expected back in the lineup, and he will likely be catching passes from his franchise quarterback.

    Joe Burrow is expected to make his return after missing nine games with a toe injury. Veteran Joe Flacco had filled in as the starter during that stretch after being acquired from the Cleveland Browns via trade to replace Jake Browning.

    Burrow’s return certainly boosts the odds of a late-season run, but the hole Cincinnati has dug may be too deep to climb out of. The team sits three games out of the division lead and four games back of a Wild Card spot with just six weeks remaining. To have any realistic shot at the postseason, they likely need to run the table, starting with a brutal matchup against the surging Ravens.

    Cincinnati Bengals’ Insights for Week 13

    Team: This is the Bengals’ second time playing on Thanksgiving. They lost to the Jets in 2010.

    QB: Joe Burrow had a 72.8 (C-) QBi in Week 1 and a 79.6 (C+) in Week 2 to start the season. Joe Flacco recorded B- grades in two of his first four games with the Bengals, but has graded at D+ the last two weeks.

    Offense: The Bengals have scored a total of 32 points in the last three games after scoring at least 33 points in each of the previous three games.

    Defense: Cincinnati recorded the team’s second-best DEFi in Week 12, which was 75.5 (C). The highest score was a 76.9 (C) in Week 1 against the Browns. The Bengals ranked 32nd in DEFi for the season.

    Fantasy: With Ja’Marr Chase suspended last week, Andrei Iosivas led the Bengals in routes run. Tee Higgins is out this week with a concussion. The Ravens allow the ninth most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.

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