The Cincinnati Bengals prepare for their critical Week 14 road matchup against the Buffalo Bills following their impressive Thanksgiving night victory over Baltimore. Tee Higgins missed last week’s game after entering the concussion protocol. Will fantasy football managers have their star receiver available for this week?”
Tee Higgins Injury Update
Higgins left the Bengals’ Week 12 game against the New England Patriots after taking a hard fall to the turf. The veteran receiver suffered a concussion late in the fourth quarter of Cincinnati’s 26-20 loss at Paycor Stadium.
The injury occurred with just over four minutes remaining in the contest. Higgins attempted to make a one-handed reception on a deep ball down the left sideline from quarterback Joe Flacco. As he came down, he hit the ground hard and appeared to strike the back of his head upon landing.
The scene was alarming. After Higgins hit the turf, he remained motionless for several minutes as coaches and trainers stood over him. Medical personnel eventually rolled him onto his back, and he slowly sat up before being transported off the field on a cart while holding his head.
The Bengals quickly ruled Higgins out for the remainder of the game. Head coach Zac Taylor confirmed after the contest that Higgins had entered the concussion protocol. Taylor ruled Higgins out on Monday for Thursday night’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens due to the short turnaround time.
The compressed timeline between Sunday’s injury and Thursday’s game made it impossible for any player to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol in such a brief window. Higgins did not practice at all last week, which was expected given the nature of the injury and the short preparation period.
The Bengals held their first practice of the week on Wednesday. Higgins remains in the concussion protocol but was on the field for a limited session. This is a very positive development after he did not practice at all last week.
Players returning from concussions almost never play if they aren’t limited to start the week. Higgins needs to progress to full participation by Friday before gaining final clearance from an independent neurologist. That progression is almost impossible to happen without that limited session to open the week.
As long as things continue to progress well, expect Higgins to upgrade to full by Friday and play on Sunday. Head coach Zac Taylor said Monday that Higgins is “doing well” and in “great spirits” as he works through the protocol.
The fact that Higgins participated in practice Wednesday, even in a limited capacity, signals significant progress. The NFL’s concussion protocol requires multiple steps, including symptom monitoring, physical exertion tests, and clearance from both team physicians and independent neurological consultants.
Higgins’ Fantasy Football Outlook
The Week 14 matchup against Buffalo presents a crucial opportunity for Cincinnati’s playoff hopes. The Bengals sit at 4-8 and desperately need wins to stay alive in the AFC playoff race. Getting Higgins back would provide a massive boost to the passing attack alongside Ja’Marr Chase.
Higgins had compiled five catches for 31 yards before the concussion against New England. He has been a vital part of Cincinnati’s offense when healthy this season, forming one of the NFL’s most dangerous receiving duos with Chase.
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If Higgins plays Sunday, he should resume his role as the Bengals’ second option in the passing game. Joe Burrow returned from his turf toe injury on Thanksgiving and looked sharp, throwing for 261 yards and two touchdowns in the victory over Baltimore.
The Bills present a tough defensive challenge, but having both Higgins and Chase available gives Cincinnati the firepower to compete in what should be a high-scoring affair. Burrow will need all his weapons available in this must-win game.
Fantasy managers should monitor Friday’s practice report closely. If Higgins upgrades to full participation, feel confident inserting him into lineups as a strong WR2. The matchup with Buffalo has shootout potential, creating opportunity for multiple Bengals pass catchers to produce.