Tee Higgins' Protocol Exit Hoped For by the Cincinnati Bengals

As the Cincinnati Bengals enter the final, high-stakes weeks of their playoff push, one question looms large over the team: when will wide receiver Tee Higgins clear the NFL’s concussion protocol and return to the field? Higgins, a key playmaker in the Bengals’ passing attack, has been sidelined since suffering a head injury in Week 15, and his absence has left a noticeable gap in the offense—forcing younger receivers to step up and shifting more pressure to Ja’Marr Chase. For a team fighting to secure a wild-card spot, Higgins’ return isn’t just a luxury; it’s a near-necessity to keep their championship hopes alive. Tee Higgins' Protocol Exit Hoped For by the Cincinnati Bengals explores the latest updates on his recovery, the impact of his absence, and why the entire organization is holding out hope for his timely return. In a season where every play matters, Higgins’ protocol exit could be the difference between a playoff berth and a premature end to the year.

Tee Higgins' Protocol Exit Hoped For by the Cincinnati Bengals begins with the latest details on his recovery timeline, which has been marked by cautious progress. According to the Bengals’ weekly injury reports, Higgins completed the first phase of the concussion protocol—rest and symptom monitoring—by the end of Week 16, with no lingering headaches or dizziness. He then advanced to light activity, participating in walking drills and stretching sessions under the supervision of the team’s medical staff. By Monday of Week 17, Higgins took the next step: joining the team for non-contact football drills, including route-running and catch repetitions with backup quarterbacks. “Tee is making good progress, and we’re encouraged by how he’s feeling,” said Bengals head athletic trainer Paul Sparling. “But we’re not rushing this. The protocol is in place to protect his long-term health, and we’ll only clear him when the doctors are 100% confident he’s ready.” While there’s no official return date, sources within the organization have hinted that Higgins could be cleared for practice as early as Wednesday—giving him a chance to play in the Bengals’ critical Week 17 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. For fans and coaches alike, this progress has been a welcome sign, easing fears that Higgins might miss the rest of the regular season.

A key reason the Bengals are so eager for Higgins’ protocol exit is his irreplaceable role in the offense—especially in the red zone and on contested catches. At 6-foot-4, Higgins uses his size and athleticism to outmuscle cornerbacks, making him Joe Burrow’s go-to target when the Bengals need a big play. This season, he’s hauled in 6 touchdown passes, second only to Chase, and has converted 12 third-down catches into first downs—often in tight coverage. Without him, the Bengals’ offense has become more predictable: defenses have focused on double-teaming Chase, limiting his opportunities, and forcing Burrow to target younger receivers like Charlie Jones and Trenton Irwin. While Jones has shown promise (he caught three passes for 45 yards in Week 16), he lacks Higgins’ physicality and experience in high-pressure situations. “Tee is the kind of receiver who can change a game with one catch,” said Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan. “He’s our security blanket in the red zone, and when he’s not out there, we have to adjust our entire approach. We can win without him, but we’re a much better team when he’s on the field.” This sentiment is shared by Burrow, who has spoken publicly about missing Higgins’ presence in the huddle: “Tee and I have a chemistry that’s hard to replace. Having him back would make our offense click again.”

Tee Higgins' Protocol Exit Hoped For by the Cincinnati Bengals also highlights the Bengals’ contingency plans—though the team is clear they’d rather not rely on them. If Higgins isn’t cleared for Week 17, the Bengals will likely lean more on their running game, using Joe Mixon’s recent momentum (he’s rushed for 320 yards in the last three games) to control the clock and keep the Steelers’ defense off balance. They’ll also expand the roles of Jones and Irwin, designing more short routes and screen plays that play to their speed rather than their size. “We have a plan B, but plan A is still getting Tee back,” said head coach Zac Taylor. “We’ve spent weeks preparing for both scenarios, but there’s no substitute for a player of Tee’s caliber.” The Bengals have also practiced with Chase lining up in Higgins’ usual spot on the boundary, giving him more opportunities to use his speed against slower cornerbacks. For the Cincinnati Bengals, these contingency plans are a necessary safeguard—but they’re a reminder of how much Higgins contributes to the offense. Every adjustment they make without him is a compromise, and in a close game against a rival like the Steelers, those compromises could prove costly.

Another layer of anticipation around Higgins’ protocol exit is the impact it could have on the Bengals’ playoff seeding. If the Bengals win Week 17 and Higgins returns, they’ll likely secure the No. 6 seed in the AFC, giving them a home playoff game against the No. 3 seed. A home game at Paycor Stadium—where the Bengals have a 6-2 record this season—would be a significant advantage, as the crowd’s noise and energy often disrupt opposing teams. But if Higgins stays sidelined and the Bengals lose, they could fall out of the playoff picture entirely, depending on other teams’ results. “Tee’s return could be the spark we need to lock up that home playoff spot,” said defensive end Trey Hendrickson. “He’s not just a receiver—he’s a leader, and his presence on the field lifts everyone’s game.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this isn’t just about winning one game; it’s about setting themselves up for success in the playoffs. A healthy Higgins would give them a more balanced offense, making it harder for playoff opponents to focus on Chase or the running game. It would also boost team morale, as players draw confidence from having one of their top playmakers back in the lineup. In a season filled with injuries and adversity, Higgins’ protocol exit could be a symbolic win—proof that the Bengals are overcoming obstacles and building momentum at the right time.

Tee Higgins' Protocol Exit Hoped For by the Cincinnati Bengals concludes with the team’s patient yet hopeful approach to his recovery. While the Bengals are eager to have Higgins back, they’re refusing to cut corners—prioritizing his health over a single game or even a playoff spot. “We love Tee, and we want him back, but we also want him to be healthy for the rest of his career,” Taylor said. “Football is important, but his well-being is more important.” This mindset has resonated with Higgins, who has stayed engaged with the team during his recovery—attending meetings, studying film, and encouraging his teammates from the sidelines. “I’m doing everything I can to get back as soon as possible, but I trust the process,” Higgins said in a recent interview. “When I’m cleared, I’ll be ready to go all out for this team.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this waiting game is tough, but it’s a reminder of what makes the team special: their commitment to each other, on and off the field. Whether Higgins returns in Week 17 or the first round of the playoffs, his protocol exit will be a moment of celebration—for him, for his teammates, and for the fans who have been cheering him on. In the end, Tee Higgins' Protocol Exit Hoped For by the Cincinnati Bengals is a story of hope, patience, and teamwork—a testament to the idea that while injuries are part of the game, so is resilience.