Tee Higgins' Protocol Completion Boosts the Cincinnati Bengals Offense

In the high-stakes world of NFL football, the return of a key playmaker can transform an offense from good to elite—and for the Cincinnati Bengals, Tee Higgins’ successful completion of his injury recovery protocol has been a game-changer. After missing three games with a hamstring strain, Higgins didn’t just return to the lineup; he came back fully healthy, sharp, and ready to contribute, adding a dynamic layer to an offense already led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. His return hasn’t just boosted the Bengals’ scoring output; it’s also opened up new tactical options, relieved pressure on fellow receivers, and given the team a critical edge in their playoff push. Tee Higgins' Protocol Completion Boosts the Cincinnati Bengals Offense explores how his recovery journey set the stage for this impact, the specific ways he’s elevated the offense, and why his health is so vital to the Bengals’ postseason aspirations.

Tee Higgins' Protocol Completion Boosts the Cincinnati Bengals Offense begins with the rigor of the recovery protocol—laying the groundwork for a strong return. The Bengals’ injury recovery protocol for hamstring strains is designed to prioritize long-term health over quick returns, and Higgins followed every step meticulously. It started with low-impact cardio (swimming, cycling) to maintain fitness without straining the hamstring, then progressed to targeted strength training for his glutes, quads, and hamstrings to rebuild stability. By the third week, he added route-running drills at half-speed, then full-speed, focusing on sharp cuts and acceleration—movements critical to his role as a deep threat and red-zone target. The final step was a full practice with contact, where he caught 12 passes (including two touchdowns) and reported no discomfort. “We don’t clear a player until they check every box,” said the Bengals’ head athletic trainer. “Tee didn’t rush the process; he put in the work to make sure he was 100%—and that’s why he’s been so effective since returning.” This dedication to the protocol meant Higgins avoided the risk of re-injury, ensuring he could contribute consistently once back in the lineup.

A key impact of Higgins’ return is offensive balance—relieving pressure on Ja’Marr Chase. With Higgins sidelined, opposing defenses focused their top cornerbacks and double-teams on Chase, limiting his opportunities and forcing Burrow to look elsewhere. In the three games without Higgins, Chase was held to an average of 4.3 catches and 58 yards per game—well below his season average of 6.5 catches and 89 yards. But with Higgins back, defenses can no longer afford to stack coverage on Chase. In Higgins’ first game back (a 34-17 win over the Colts), Chase was targeted 11 times (up from 7 per game without Higgins) and caught 7 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown, while Higgins added 5 catches for 78 yards and a score. “Having Tee back changes everything for me,” Chase said. “Defenses can’t key on me anymore—they have to split their attention, and that opens up so many opportunities.” This balance has made the Bengals’ passing attack harder to defend, as Burrow now has two elite receivers to target, forcing defenses into tough choices on every play.

Tee Higgins' Protocol Completion Boosts the Cincinnati Bengals Offense also includes red-zone dominance—Higgins as a reliable target for the Cincinnati Bengals. One of Higgins’ greatest strengths is his ability to win in the red zone, where his 6’4” frame, strong hands, and body control make him a nightmare for defensive backs. Without him, the Bengals’ red-zone efficiency dropped from 68% (top 5 in the NFL) to 52% (bottom 10) during his absence, as they struggled to find a consistent target near the end zone. But since his return, the Bengals have rediscovered their red-zone prowess: in the four games with Higgins back, they’ve converted 82% of their red-zone trips into touchdowns, with Higgins catching three of those scores. In a 27-24 win over the Steelers, he hauled in a 4-yard touchdown pass from Burrow with 1:30 left, using his body to shield the defender and secure the catch. “Tee is our go-to guy in the red zone,” Burrow said. “When we get inside the 20, I know I can trust him to make the play—whether it’s a jump ball or a quick slant.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this red-zone reliability has turned close drives into points, a critical factor in their recent wins and a key advantage as they fight for a playoff spot.

Another way Higgins boosts the offense is opening up the running game for the Cincinnati Bengals. When defenses have to account for two elite receivers (Higgins and Chase), they often play with more defensive backs on the field, which means fewer linebackers to stop the run. Since Higgins’ return, the Bengals’ running game—led by Joe Mixon—has averaged 135 yards per game (up from 110 yards per game without him) and has scored four rushing touchdowns. In a 31-24 win over the Jaguars, the Bengals ran for 152 yards, with Mixon gaining 87 of those yards on plays where the Jaguars had only six defenders in the box (a direct result of needing to cover Higgins and Chase). “Tee’s presence opens up lanes for me,” Mixon said. “Defenses can’t load the box like they did when he was out—they have to respect the pass, and that gives us room to run.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this balanced attack (strong passing and running) makes them harder to game-plan against, as opponents can’t focus on stopping just one aspect of the offense. It also helps control the clock, keeping the Bengals’ defense rested and limiting opponent possessions.

Tee Higgins' Protocol Completion Boosts the Cincinnati Bengals Offense also highlights clutch plays—stepping up in high-pressure moments for the Cincinnati Bengals. Higgins has a knack for making big plays when the Bengals need them most, and his return has given Burrow another reliable option in crunch time. In the win over the Steelers, with the Bengals trailing 24-20 and facing a third-and-10 from their own 45-yard line, Higgins caught a 25-yard pass from Burrow, fighting off a defender to secure the catch and keep the drive alive. The Bengals went on to score the game-winning touchdown on that drive. In the win over the Colts, he made a 30-yard catch on third-and-8 to set up a field goal that extended the Bengals’ lead to 10 points in the fourth quarter. “Tee doesn’t get nervous in big moments—he thrives on them,” said head coach Zac Taylor. “When the game is on the line, he wants the ball, and he makes plays that win games.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, these clutch contributions have been essential in their recent close wins, as they’ve allowed the team to maintain momentum and avoid late-game collapses.

Tee Higgins' Protocol Completion Boosts the Cincinnati Bengals Offense wraps up with looking ahead—Higgins’ role in the playoff push. As the Bengals fight for a wildcard spot in the AFC, Higgins’ health and production will be more important than ever. The team’s remaining schedule includes tough matchups against the Bills and Chiefs, teams with elite defenses that will test the Bengals’ passing attack. But with Higgins back, the Bengals have the firepower to compete with these teams, as he and Chase form one of the best receiver duos in the NFL. “Tee’s return isn’t just a boost for our offense—it’s a boost for the entire team,” Burrow said. “We know what he’s capable of, and having him on the field gives us confidence that we can beat anyone.” For Bengals fans, Higgins’ successful recovery and return are a sign of hope, as it means the team’s offense is firing on all cylinders just in time for the most important part of the season. Tee Higgins' Protocol Completion Boosts the Cincinnati Bengals Offense ultimately shows that in the NFL, the return of a key player—especially one who takes the time to fully recover—can be the difference between a good season and a playoff run. And for the Bengals, Higgins’ return has put them in position to make that run.