CINCINNATI — After missing the last three weeks due to a quad injury, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is expected to return to the field this Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The 24-year-old has been sidelined since October 20th, but his return offers a much-needed boost for a Bengals offense that has been struggling to stay consistent in the face of tough competition.
Higgins’ return to action comes at a critical time for the 4-6 Bengals, who are in the midst of a fight for playoff positioning in a crowded AFC. The team will look to rebound from a disappointing shootout loss to the Baltimore Ravens last week and improve on their performance in what has been an up-and-down season so far. Despite their struggles, Cincinnati remains in the hunt, and having Higgins back on the field will be pivotal for their offense.
Before his injury, Higgins had been solid in the early part of the season. In five games, he posted 29 catches for 341 yards and three touchdowns. While those numbers don’t fully capture his impact, they show just how integral Higgins has been to the Bengals’ offense, stretching the field and providing a reliable target for quarterback Joe Burrow.
Higgins’ absence has been noticeable in the Bengals’ passing attack, especially as defenses have focused their attention on star receiver Ja’Marr Chase. With Higgins now back in the mix, Cincinnati will be able to diversify their offense once again and take some of the pressure off of Chase. Given how much attention the Chargers’ defense will devote to Chase on Sunday, Higgins could be in line for a big game as he re-establishes his role in the offense.
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The Chargers’ defense presents a unique challenge, as they currently rank as the No. 1 scoring defense in the league. This will be a test for Burrow and the Bengals’ offense, who have shown they can keep pace with high-powered teams, but have yet to find consistent rhythm in 2024. Having Higgins back should help the Bengals execute their offense with more precision, and his ability to create separation could be crucial in exploiting the Chargers’ defense.
One of the challenges for the Bengals this season has been the inconsistency of their receiving corps behind Chase and Higgins. While players like Tyler Boyd and rookie Charlie Jones have stepped up at times, they haven’t been able to consistently shoulder the load. Higgins’ return will not only take pressure off of Boyd but also allow the Bengals to get back to a more balanced aerial attack.
In his absence, the Bengals’ offense has struggled to find explosive plays. Higgins’ ability to win deep routes and create mismatches on the outside will be crucial in helping the offense stretch the field once again. With the Chargers defense likely keying in on Chase, Higgins’ ability to take advantage of single coverage or make contested catches will be vital in moving the chains.
Moreover, Higgins’ chemistry with Burrow cannot be overlooked. The two have developed a strong connection over the past few seasons, and Higgins has often been a reliable second option when defenses focus on Chase. This familiarity will be key as the Bengals look to get back on track against a tough opponent.
Higgins has been working diligently behind the scenes during his time on the sidelines, and while he won’t be 100% after a three-week layoff, he is expected to have no restrictions for Sunday’s game. With that, the Bengals’ coaching staff will be eager to reintegrate him into their game plan, focusing on getting him up to speed quickly so he can contribute right away.
For Higgins, the opportunity to return to action is one he’s been eagerly anticipating. After missing two games earlier this season due to a hamstring injury, the quad injury was another setback in what has been a challenging season for the talented wideout. However, he remains optimistic about his return and is ready to help get the Bengals back on track.
Sunday’s game in Los Angeles will be a critical one for the Bengals as they look to stay alive in the AFC playoff race. While the Chargers have been a tough opponent, they are beatable, especially if the Bengals can click on offense with the return of Higgins. Burrow, who has been battling his own injuries, will need all of his weapons at his disposal to outpace a Chargers offense led by quarterback Justin Herbert. With Higgins back, the Bengals could finally find the offensive balance they’ve been missing.
As the season enters its final stretch, every game is becoming a must-win for Cincinnati. Their path to the playoffs will depend heavily on the play of Burrow and his receiving corps, especially with the return of Higgins. If he can pick up right where he left off, the Bengals’ offense will be much more dangerous — and more difficult to stop — as they continue their push for the postseason.