Tee Higgins' Status Monitored Closely by the Cincinnati Bengals Staff

In the high-stakes race for an AFC playoff spot, every player’s health matters—but for the Cincinnati Bengals, the status of wide receiver Tee Higgins has become a top priority for the team’s medical and coaching staff. Higgins, a key component of the Bengals’ dynamic passing attack alongside Ja’Marr Chase, left the team’s Week 13 win over the Cleveland Browns with a shoulder injury, sparking concerns about his availability for the critical final stretch of the season. With the Bengals fighting to secure a wildcard berth, the staff has implemented a rigorous, round-the-clock monitoring plan to track Higgins’ recovery, balance rest and rehabilitation, and determine when he can safely return to the field. Tee Higgins' Status Monitored Closely by the Cincinnati Bengals Staff explores the details of this monitoring process, the impact of Higgins’ potential absence, and why his health is so vital to the Bengals’ playoff hopes.

Tee Higgins' Status Monitored Closely by the Cincinnati Bengals Staff begins with the incident that led to the injury and the initial assessment from the Bengals’ medical team. Late in the third quarter of the Browns game, Higgins leaped to catch a 22-yard pass from Joe Burrow, landing awkwardly on his right shoulder after being tackled by Browns cornerback Denzel Ward. He immediately grabbed his shoulder and walked slowly to the sideline, where he was examined by head athletic trainer Paul Sparling and team physicians. The Bengals ruled him out for the remainder of the game, and post-game tests revealed a Grade 2 AC joint sprain—an injury that typically requires 2-4 weeks of recovery. “It’s a painful injury, but it’s not season-ending, which is a relief,” Sparling said in a press conference the next day. “Our main goal now is to manage his pain, reduce inflammation, and gradually rebuild strength in the shoulder to get him back on the field as soon as possible without risking further damage.” The initial timeline put Higgins’ return in doubt for the Bengals’ Week 14 matchup against the Houston Texans, making his status a daily topic of discussion for the staff.

Tee Higgins' Status Monitored Closely by the Cincinnati Bengals Staff delves into the comprehensive monitoring plan the Bengals have put in place to track Higgins’ recovery. Each morning, Higgins reports to the team’s facility for a series of checks: range-of-motion tests to assess shoulder flexibility, strength measurements using resistance bands, and pain-level evaluations on a scale of 1-10. Sparling and his staff also use ultrasound imaging twice a week to monitor inflammation and healing progress. Additionally, Higgins meets daily with the Bengals’ physical therapist, who guides him through a customized rehabilitation program—including light stretching, core strengthening exercises (to reduce strain on the shoulder), and gradual weight-bearing drills. The coaching staff, led by head coach Zac Taylor and wide receivers coach Troy Walters, also plays a role in monitoring: they review film of Higgins’ rehab sessions to evaluate his movement and discuss with the medical team when he might be ready for limited practice reps. “We’re not cutting any corners here,” Taylor said. “Every decision about Tee’s return will be based on data from the medical staff and his own feedback. We won’t rush him back—we need him healthy for the long haul, especially if we make the playoffs.”

Tee Higgins' Status Monitored Closely by the Cincinnati Bengals Staff examines why Higgins’ health is such a critical concern for the Cincinnati Bengals, particularly as they push for a playoff spot. Through the first 12 games of the season, Higgins was second on the team in receptions (55), receiving yards (780), and touchdowns (5), serving as a reliable second option to Chase and a frequent target in the red zone. His 6’4” frame and ability to win jump balls make him a valuable weapon in tight games, and his absence would force the Bengals to rely more on younger receivers like Trenton Irwin and Charlie Jones—players with far less NFL experience. In the Week 14 win over the Texans (where Higgins was inactive), the Bengals’ passing attack showed signs of strain: Burrow completed just 60% of his passes (down from his season average of 67%) and struggled to connect on deep routes, with Irwin and Jones combining for only 4 catches for 38 yards. “Tee is a guy we count on to make plays when we need them most,” Burrow said after the game. “He takes pressure off Ja’Marr and opens up the field for everyone else. Not having him out there is a big loss, and we’re all rooting for him to get back soon.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, Higgins’ return isn’t just about adding a playmaker—it’s about restoring balance to an offense that relies on its two star wide receivers to keep defenses off balance.

Tee Higgins' Status Monitored Closely by the Cincinnati Bengals Staff explores how the Bengals’ staff is preparing contingency plans in case Higgins’ recovery takes longer than expected, ensuring the team remains competitive while he’s sidelined. The coaching staff has adjusted practice reps to give Irwin, Jones, and even tight end Hayden Hurst more opportunities to work with Burrow in game-like scenarios. They’ve also modified the playbook to emphasize shorter, quick-hitting passes that play to the strengths of the younger receivers, rather than the deep, contested catches that Higgins excels at. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has even shifted some practice time to help the offense, having the first-team defense simulate opposing coverages to challenge the replacement receivers. “We can’t afford to wait around for Tee to come back—we have to be ready to win with the guys we have,” Taylor said. The Cincinnati Bengals’ front office has also explored potential roster moves, working out free-agent wide receivers as a backup plan, though no signings have been made yet. “We’re prepared for every scenario,” general manager Duke Tobin said. “Our priority is to keep this team in the playoff hunt, whether Tee is on the field or not—but obviously, we’d much rather have him healthy and contributing.”

Tee Higgins' Status Monitored Closely by the Cincinnati Bengals Staff wraps up with the latest update on Higgins’ recovery and the impact his potential return could have on the Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff push. As of Week 15, Higgins has progressed to limited practice reps, participating in individual drills and non-contact team sessions. His pain levels have dropped from an 8/10 to a 2/10, and range-of-motion tests show he’s regained 90% of his shoulder flexibility. The medical staff has cleared him for light contact in practice this week, with a decision on his availability for the Week 16 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers expected by Friday. “Tee is making great progress, and we’re encouraged by how quickly he’s healing,” Sparling said. If Higgins returns against the Steelers, it would be a major boost for the Bengals, who need a win to stay ahead of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders in the wildcard race. For the Cincinnati Bengals, Higgins’ status isn’t just a medical concern—it’s a psychological one too. His return would lift team morale, give Burrow back his top two targets, and send a message to the rest of the AFC that the Bengals are a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. As the staff continues to monitor his every step, all eyes are on Higgins—and the hope that he’ll be back in the lineup soon to help the Bengals chase their Super Bowl dreams.