Tee Higgins' Concussion Update Brings Caution to the Cincinnati Bengals

In the high-stakes final stretch of the NFL season, where every player’s availability can tip the scales of a playoff race, the Cincinnati Bengals have been handed a critical concern: wide receiver Tee Higgins’ ongoing recovery from a concussion suffered in Week 14 against the Buffalo Bills. The injury, which occurred on a hard hit in the second quarter, has sidelined Higgins for the Bengals’ last two practices—and while initial tests showed no severe damage, the latest update from the team’s medical staff has introduced a note of caution. Higgins, a key cog in the Bengals’ high-powered offense with 750 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns this season, has not yet cleared the NFL’s mandatory concussion protocol, leaving his status for Week 15’s pivotal matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in doubt. For a Bengals team fighting to stay atop the AFC North, this update isn’t just about one player’s health—it’s about balancing short-term playoff needs with long-term player safety. Tee Higgins' Concussion Update Brings Caution to the Cincinnati Bengals explores the details of the injury, the protocol timeline, and how the Bengals are adjusting their strategy amid this uncertainty.

Tee Higgins' Concussion Update Brings Caution to the Cincinnati Bengals begins with the moment the injury occurred, a play that has since become a focal point of the Bengals’ medical evaluation. In the second quarter of the Bengals’ 31-24 loss to the Bills, Higgins ran a deep crossing route and leaped to catch a pass from Joe Burrow. As he came down, Bills safety Micah Hyde collided with him, leading with his shoulder and hitting Higgins’ helmet. Higgins immediately fell to the turf, stayed down for several minutes, and was escorted to the locker room by team trainers. He did not return to the game, and postgame tests confirmed a concussion—the first of his 2024 season. “It was a clean hit, but it was a hard one,” Burrow said after the game. “Tee went up to make a play, and that’s the risk you take. We’re just glad it wasn’t worse, but we need him back healthy. He’s too important to our offense to rush him.” The injury has since been reviewed by the NFL’s Player Safety Department, which ruled it a legal play, but it has sparked conversations within the Bengals’ organization about how to better protect Higgins in future games—including adjusting his route assignments to avoid high-contact areas.

Tee Higgins' Concussion Update Brings Caution to the Cincinnati Bengals shifts to the NFL’s concussion protocol, a multi-step process that has kept Higgins sidelined and introduced caution into the Bengals’ planning. The protocol requires players to progress through five stages: rest and recovery, light aerobic exercise, football-specific activities (like walking through plays), full practice participation, and final clearance from team doctors and an independent neurological consultant. As of Wednesday, Higgins has completed the first two stages—he’s been doing light jogging and stretching—but has not yet moved to football-specific drills. The Bengals’ medical staff has emphasized that there is no timeline for his return; progress depends on Higgins’ symptoms, which include mild headaches and fatigue. “We’re taking this one day at a time,” said Bengals head athletic trainer Steve Saunders. “Concussions are tricky—every player recovers at a different pace, and we can’t rush the process. Our priority is Tee’s health, not the next game. If he’s not 100 percent, he won’t play. That’s non-negotiable.” This cautious approach has frustrated some fans eager for a quick return, but it aligns with the NFL’s recent efforts to reduce long-term brain injuries and protect players.

Tee Higgins' Concussion Update Brings Caution to the Cincinnati Bengals delves into the offensive void Higgins’ potential absence creates, a gap that has forced the Cincinnati Bengals to rethink their game plan for the Ravens. Higgins, who lines up primarily as the Bengals’ “X” receiver (split wide on the line), is Burrow’s second-most reliable target behind Ja’Marr Chase. He excels at winning jump balls in the end zone and drawing double teams, which opens up space for Chase and tight end Irv Smith Jr. Without him, the Bengals will likely turn to third-year receiver Trenton Irwin and rookie Andrei Iosivas to fill his role. Irwin has 250 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns this season, while Iosivas has shown promise in limited snaps (180 yards, 1 touchdown). However, neither has the size (Higgins is 6’4”, 215 pounds) or experience to match Higgins’ production. “We have depth at receiver, but no one is Tee,” said Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan. “We’ll have to adjust our routes, maybe run more two-tight end sets, and rely on Joe to make quick decisions. It’s not ideal, but we have to make it work. The Ravens have a great secondary, and losing Tee makes that matchup even harder.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this adjustment isn’t just about replacing catches—it’s about replacing a player who changes how defenses game-plan against them.

Tee Higgins' Concussion Update Brings Caution to the Cincinnati Bengals explores the team’s broader strategy for managing injuries during the playoff push, a balance that has become increasingly important for the Cincinnati Bengals. This season, the Bengals have already lost linebacker Logan Wilson and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt to season-ending injuries, and defensive end Sam Hubbard has been limited by a knee issue. The last thing they can afford is to lose another key player—especially Higgins, who has been healthy for most of his career. To mitigate risk, the Bengals have scaled back practice reps for their starters this week, focusing on walkthroughs and film study instead of full-contact drills. They’ve also brought in additional receivers for tryouts, including veteran Mohamed Sanu, to add depth in case Higgins is out long-term. “We have to be smart about how we manage our players this time of year,” said head coach Zac Taylor. “The playoffs are important, but so is the health of our guys. We can’t win a Super Bowl if our best players are hurt. So we’re being cautious—with Tee, with Sam, with everyone. It’s the only way to stay competitive.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this caution is a reflection of their long-term vision: winning a championship isn’t worth sacrificing a player’s career.

Tee Higgins' Concussion Update Brings Caution to the Cincinnati Bengals wraps up with the latest on Higgins’ status and what it means for the Bengals’ playoff hopes. As of Thursday, Higgins has not yet been cleared for practice, and Taylor has stated that the team will not make a final decision on his availability for the Ravens game until Friday or Saturday. Even if he is cleared, the Bengals may choose to limit his snaps or keep him on the bench as a precaution—a move that would disappoint fans but prioritize his health. For Higgins, the waiting game has been frustrating, but he has emphasized that he won’t rush back. “I want to be out there with my teammates, especially against the Ravens,” Higgins said in a brief statement. “But I know I have to be healthy. If I’m not, I’m a liability to the team. So I’m following the protocol, listening to the doctors, and taking it slow.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this update is a reminder of the fragility of an NFL season—one injury can change everything. But it’s also a chance to show their character: will they prioritize winning in the short term, or will they put their player’s health first? As the Bengals prepare for the Ravens, one thing is clear: caution will guide every decision they make regarding Tee Higgins. And in the end, that’s the mark of a team that values its players as much as its playoff dreams.