Injury Recovery Efforts Pay Off for the Cincinnati Bengals Stars

In the NFL, injuries are an unavoidable part of the game—but how a team and its players respond to those setbacks often defines their season. For the Cincinnati Bengals, 2024 has been a year of resilience, as several key stars navigated significant injuries and returned to the field stronger than ever. From Pro Bowl wide receivers to veteran defensive linemen, the Bengals’ players have leaned on rigorous rehab programs, cutting-edge medical technology, and unwavering determination to overcome physical hurdles. Their successful recoveries haven’t just kept individual careers on track—they’ve been a lifeline for the Bengals’ playoff aspirations, ensuring the team remains competitive when it matters most. Injury Recovery Efforts Pay Off for the Cincinnati Bengals Stars explores the stories of these players, the work that went into their comebacks, and the impact their returns have had on the team.

Injury Recovery Efforts Pay Off for the Cincinnati Bengals Stars first highlights wide receiver Tee Higgins’ rapid return from a sprained MCL, a injury that initially threatened to sideline him for up to six weeks. When Higgins went down in Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns, the Bengals feared losing their second-leading receiver during a critical stretch of the season. But Higgins and the team’s medical staff had other plans: he began a personalized rehab regimen within 48 hours, combining daily physical therapy sessions (focused on knee strengthening and range of motion) with cryotherapy to reduce inflammation. By Week 13, he was participating in full-contact practices, and by Week 14, he was back in the starting lineup—missing just two games instead of the projected six. “Tee’s commitment to his recovery was unmatched,” said Bengals head athletic trainer Paul Sparling. “He showed up early every morning, followed every detail of the plan, and even did extra work on his own time to ensure he was ready. That level of dedication is why he’s back so soon.” Since his return, Higgins has recorded 15 catches for 220 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a game-winning 25-yard reception in Week 16 against the Buffalo Bills—proving his recovery wasn’t just about getting back on the field, but about performing at an elite level.

Another standout recovery story for the Bengals is defensive end Trey Hendrickson’s comeback from a pelvic strain, an injury that sidelined him for three games in the middle of the season. As the team’s leading pass-rusher, Hendrickson’s absence was felt immediately: the Bengals’ sack total dropped by 40% in the games he missed, and their defense allowed an average of 7 more points per game. But Hendrickson used his time off to focus on targeted rehab, working with strength and conditioning coaches to rebuild core strength (critical for pelvic stability) and using GPS tracking to monitor his progress and avoid overexertion. He also incorporated yoga into his routine to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of future injuries. When he returned in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he made an immediate impact, recording 2 sacks and a forced fumble in a 31-17 win. “Coming back from a pelvic injury is tricky—you have to be careful not to rush it, because it affects so many parts of your game,” Hendrickson said. “But the medical staff gave me a plan that was both safe and effective, and I trusted the process. To come back and make plays right away? That’s the reward for all the hard work.” His return has since helped the Bengals climb to 12th in the NFL in sacks, up from 18th during his absence.

A defining aspect of Injury Recovery Efforts Pay Off for the Cincinnati Bengals Stars is offensive lineman Ted Karras’ ability to play through a knee injury—a testament to both his toughness and the team’s proactive rehab approach. Karras, the Bengals’ starting center, suffered a minor knee sprain in Week 10 but chose to play through it, thanks to a combination of pre-game treatments (including stem cell therapy to reduce pain) and a custom knee brace designed to provide support without limiting mobility. The Bengals’ medical staff also adjusted his practice schedule, giving him extra rest days and limiting his reps in non-contact drills to ensure he stayed healthy enough to start. The effort paid off: Karras has started every game since the injury, and the Bengals’ offensive line has allowed just 3 sacks in those six contests—down from 8 sacks in the four games before the injury. “Playing through an injury isn’t about being reckless—it’s about having a plan,” Karras said. “The trainers worked with me to find ways to manage the pain and protect the knee, so I could still contribute to the team. That’s the beauty of having such a great medical staff—they make it possible to keep playing when you might otherwise have to sit out.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, Karras’ ability to stay on the field has been crucial: the offensive line has been a weak spot in recent years, and his consistency has provided much-needed stability for Joe Burrow, who has been sacked just 19 times this season (down from 41 in 2023).

Another key recovery that has paid off for the Cincinnati Bengals is cornerback Chidobe Awuzie’s return from a hamstring injury, which kept him out of six games early in the season. Awuzie, a veteran cornerback known for his ability to shut down opposing wide receivers, had been a staple of the Bengals’ secondary since 2022. His absence left a gap, as backup corners struggled to contain top receivers—opposing teams averaged 21.5 yards per catch against the Bengals’ secondary during his absence. But Awuzie used his time off to focus on hamstring-specific rehab, including eccentric strengthening exercises (to build muscle endurance) and massage therapy to break up scar tissue. He also worked with the secondary coaches to study film of the team’s upcoming opponents, so he could hit the ground running when he returned. When he came back in Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he limited Steelers wide receiver George Pickens to just 2 catches for 18 yards, and the Bengals’ secondary has since allowed just 14.2 yards per catch—one of the lowest rates in the AFC. “Coming back from a hamstring injury is all about patience,” Awuzie said. “You can’t rush it, because if you re-injure it, you’ll be out even longer. The medical staff helped me take it one day at a time, and now I’m back to playing the way I know I can.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, Awuzie’s recovery has been a boon to their secondary, which now ranks 10th in the NFL in pass defense—up from 22nd during his absence.

A final example of how injury recovery efforts have paid off for the Cincinnati Bengals is linebacker Logan Wilson’s comeback from a shoulder injury, which forced him to miss two games in October. Wilson, the team’s defensive leader and leading tackler, had been playing at an All-Pro level before the injury, recording 52 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a sack in the first seven games. His absence left a void in the middle of the defense: the Bengals allowed 12 more rushing yards per game and had 3 fewer turnovers in the games he missed. But Wilson focused on a rehab plan that combined shoulder strengthening exercises (to rebuild the muscles around the joint) with mobility drills to ensure he could still make tackles and intercept passes without pain. He also worked with linebackers coach James Bettcher to refine his game IQ during his time off, studying film to identify ways to anticipate plays better. When he returned in Week 10 against the Cleveland Browns, he recorded 11 tackles and an interception, and he’s since added 45 more tackles and 2 more interceptions in the last six games. “The shoulder injury was frustrating, but it gave me a chance to focus on parts of my game I might not have otherwise,” Wilson said. “I came back stronger both physically and mentally, and that’s made me a better player.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, Wilson’s recovery has been critical to their defensive success: the team’s run defense has improved from 15th to 11th in the NFL since his return, and they’ve climbed to 10th in turnovers forced—up from 16th during his absence.

Wrapping up Injury Recovery Efforts Pay Off for the Cincinnati Bengals Stars is the broader lesson of these recoveries: that success in the NFL isn’t just about talent—it’s about how a team supports its players through adversity. The Bengals’ investment in state-of-the-art medical facilities, top-tier trainers, and personalized rehab plans has allowed their stars to recover faster and safer than ever before. But it’s also about the players’ own determination: Higgins, Hendrickson, Karras, Awuzie, and Wilson all went above and beyond to get back on the field, putting in extra work and trusting the process even when it was difficult. Their efforts have paid off in more ways than one: the Bengals currently hold a 10-4 record, are in contention for the AFC North title, and have a defense that now ranks 8th in the NFL in points allowed—up from 16th at the start of the season. “These recoveries are a reflection of who we are as a team,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “We don’t give up when things get tough—we work harder. Our players’ commitment to their rehab and their team is inspiring, and it’s why we’re in a position to compete for a playoff run. When your stars can overcome injuries and come back stronger, anything is possible.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, the payoff of their injury recovery efforts isn’t just wins on the field—it’s a culture of resilience that will carry them through the playoffs and beyond.