Joe Burrow has been a crucial player for the Cincinnati Bengals this season, but wide receiver Tee Higgins is also a key contributor to the team’s success. The Bengals have recorded a 6-4 record with Higgins on the field, contrasting with a disappointing 1-4 mark when he’s absent.
Higgins is set to play in the critical Week 17 matchup against the Denver Broncos despite being labeled as questionable earlier in the week. He has been managing knee and ankle injuries that limited his practice time. Higgins appeared in the Bengals’ Week 16 victory against the Browns, even after struggling with injuries during the week leading up to the game and hurting his ankle in the second half.
Notably, Higgins has not practiced fully since returning from a quad injury in Week 11. Nonetheless, he has shown resilience, matching his career-high in touchdown receptions this season and averaging 72.7 receiving yards per game, making this one of his more productive seasons. In fact, he has caught a touchdown in five of his last six games, showcasing his ability to perform even while dealing with injuries.
Should Higgins’ injuries restrict his playing time, the Bengals will likely rely more on star wideout Ja’Marr Chase, who is on track to join an elite group of receivers by leading the NFL in catches, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions this season. The team will also look for contributions from running back Chase Brown, No. 3 wide receiver Andrei Iosivas, and tight end Mike Gesicki.
The stakes are high for the Bengals against the Broncos, as they aim to keep their playoff hopes alive. For Cincinnati to reach the postseason, they must win their remaining games while hoping the Broncos, Dolphins, and Colts stumble in their upcoming matchups.
With players like Burrow and Higgins leading the charge, there remains hope for the Bengals to turn their season around and make a strong playoff push. The determination and talent within the team could turn the tide in their favor as they head into these crucial games.