Tee Higgins' Return Strengthens Attack of the Cincinnati Bengals

In the high-stakes stretch of the NFL season, few moments boost a team’s offense like the return of a proven playmaker—and for the Cincinnati Bengals, Tee Higgins’ comeback from a concussion couldn’t have come at a better time. After missing two critical games in December 2024, Higgins stepped back onto the field just as the Bengals were fighting to secure a playoff spot, his presence immediately reshaping an offense that had shown cracks in his absence. As a reliable target for Joe Burrow and a complement to Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins brings a unique blend of size, speed, and route-running precision that makes the Bengals’ passing attack one of the most dangerous in the AFC. Tee Higgins' Return Strengthens Attack of the Cincinnati Bengals explores how his comeback fixed offensive gaps, elevated his teammates’ performance, and reignited the Bengals’ playoff hopes.

Before Higgins’ injury, the Bengals’ offense had been firing on all cylinders, with Burrow spreading the ball evenly between Chase and Higgins, while also leaning on the running game to keep defenses balanced. But when Higgins left the Week 16 game against the Steelers with a concussion, the offense lost its depth and flexibility. In the two games he missed, opposing defenses focused their attention entirely on Chase, doubling him on 40% of his routes and limiting him to just 4 catches for 52 yards in Week 17—well below his season average of 6 catches for 85 yards per game. Without Higgins to draw coverage, Burrow was forced to rely on backup receivers like Trenton Irwin and Charlie Jones, who, while capable, lacked the size and experience to win contested catches in the end zone or stretch the field. The Bengals’ red-zone efficiency also dropped, from a league-leading 65fore Higgins’ injury to just 45% during his absence. “We felt Tee’s absence every play,” Burrow admitted after a Week 17 win over the Browns. “He’s the kind of guy who makes everyone around him better, and when he’s not out there, defenses can key in on one thing.” Tee Higgins' Return Strengthens Attack of the Cincinnati Bengals emphasizes that Higgins’ injury exposed just how vital he is to the Bengals’ offensive scheme, making his return all the more impactful.

Higgins’ return in Week 18 against the Jaguars was nothing short of transformative, as he immediately stepped back into his role as Burrow’s go-to target in critical situations. In that game, he caught 7 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown, including a 22-yard contested catch in the end zone that gave the Bengals a 14-7 lead in the second quarter. What stood out most was how his presence forced the Jaguars’ defense to adjust: instead of doubling Chase, they split their coverage, with one cornerback assigned to Chase and another to Higgins, opening up space for tight end Hayden Hurst and running back Joe Mixon to make plays in the middle of the field. Mixon, who rushed for 112 yards in the game, credited Higgins’ return for easing the pressure on the running game: “When Tee’s out there, defenses can’t stack the box to stop the run—they have to respect the pass, and that gives me more room to work.” The Bengals’ offense finished the game with 420 total yards, their highest output since Week 15, and secured a 31-24 win that clinched a wild-card spot. Tee Higgins' Return Strengthens Attack of the Cincinnati Bengals highlights that Higgins’ comeback didn’t just add a playmaker—it restored balance to an offense that had been forced to simplify its approach in his absence.

For the Cincinnati Bengals, Higgins’ return also strengthens their ability to attack different types of defenses, whether they’re facing a zone coverage that relies on linebackers to drop back or a man-to-man scheme that uses physical cornerbacks. Against zone defenses, Higgins excels at finding soft spots between linebackers and safeties, using his 6-foot-4 frame to shield defenders from the ball and make over-the-shoulder catches. Against man-to-man coverage, he uses his speed to beat cornerbacks off the line and his strength to win at the catch point—something few receivers in the NFL can do as consistently. In the Bengals’ Week 18 win over the Jaguars, who primarily use a zone defense, Higgins found gaps in the secondary on three occasions, turning short routes into 15+ yard gains. “Tee’s ability to read defenses and adjust his route on the fly is what makes him special,” said offensive coordinator Brian Callahan. “He doesn’t just run the route we call—he runs the route that will get open, and that’s a huge asset for Joe.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this versatility means they no longer have to tailor their game plan to avoid certain defensive schemes; instead, they can attack defenses where they’re weakest, knowing Higgins can win in any situation. Tee Higgins' Return Strengthens Attack of the Cincinnati Bengals shows that the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense is now more adaptable and unpredictable with Higgins back in the lineup, making it harder for opponents to prepare.

Higgins’ return also has a ripple effect on the Cincinnati Bengals’ special teams and overall game management, as his ability to move the chains and score touchdowns reduces the pressure on the defense and special teams units. Before his injury, the Bengals’ offense averaged 3.2 scoring drives per game, with many of those drives lasting 6+ minutes—giving the defense time to rest and recover. During his absence, that number dropped to 2.1 scoring drives per game, with shorter drives forcing the defense to spend more time on the field and increasing the risk of fatigue. With Higgins back, the offense has returned to its slow, methodical style, controlling the clock and keeping opposing offenses off the field. In Week 18, the Bengals’ offense had three drives that lasted over 5 minutes, including a 7-minute drive in the fourth quarter that ended with a field goal and extended their lead to 31-21. “When the offense can control the clock like that, it’s a win for the entire team,” said defensive tackle D.J. Reader. “We get to stay fresh, and we don’t have to face a tired defense that’s been on the field all day.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this improved game management is crucial in the playoffs, where every possession matters and fatigue can lead to costly mistakes. Tee Higgins' Return Strengthens Attack of the Cincinnati Bengals underscores that the Cincinnati Bengals’ entire team benefits from Higgins’ return, not just the offense—turning a single player’s comeback into a team-wide boost.

As the Bengals head into the playoffs, Higgins’ return gives them a legitimate chance to make a deep run, as their offense now has the depth and firepower to compete with top AFC teams like the Chiefs and Bills. In past playoff runs, the Bengals have relied heavily on Chase to carry the passing attack, but with Higgins back, Burrow has two elite targets to choose from, making it nearly impossible for defenses to shut down both. Higgins’ experience in big games—he’s caught 25 passes for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns in his playoff career—also adds a layer of calm to an offense that will face high-pressure situations in the postseason. “Tee’s been here before,” Burrow said. “He knows what it takes to win in January, and that confidence rubs off on everyone.” For Bengals fans, Higgins’ return is a sign of hope—a reminder that this team has the talent to compete for a Super Bowl. Tee Higgins' Return Strengthens Attack of the Cincinnati Bengals concludes that while the Bengals face tough competition in the playoffs, Higgins’ comeback has strengthened their attack in ways that go beyond statistics. He’s a leader, a playmaker, and a reminder of why the Bengals are one of the most exciting teams in the NFL. With Higgins back in the lineup, the Bengals aren’t just a playoff team—they’re a team that can surprise everyone and bring a championship back to Cincinnati.