Tee Higgins’ on-field presence could have been a massive boost for a Cincinnati Bengals offense that generated only ten points against the New England Patriots. Worst yet, the hamstring injury that sidelined him in Week 1 could jeopardize his Week 2 availability.
As ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted, Higgins did not practice yesterday in preparation for their September 15 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. While his absence at practice doesn’t mean he won’t play on Sunday, it diminishes the chances of him playing.
Hamstring injuries are nothing new to Higgins. Last season, the exact condition forced him to miss five games, leading to career lows in receptions (42), receiving yards (656), and touchdowns (5). It’s also the first time he missed more than two games in a season.
Bengals WR Tee Higgins, who missed last week’s game due to a hamstring injury, was not spotted practicing today ahead of Sunday’s game vs. the Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/LCUFGa2BiN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 11, 2024
Without Higgins, the Bengals generated only 164 passing yards. Joe Burrow completed 21 passes, while Ja’Marr Chase led the way with 62 receiving yards. However, the Patriots defense contained the All-Pro wideout because of the absence of another viable threat.
Thanks to this year’s significant salary cap increase, the Bengals are lucky to have retained Higgins this season. However, they haven’t reaped the fruits of that investment, especially if the former Clemson standout won’t play against the Chiefs.
-Lance Fernandez