Tee Higgins injury update: Latest news on Cincinnati Bengals WR in Week 1

Kevin Hickey

Tee Higgins injury update: Latest news on Cincinnati Bengals WR in Week 1 image

Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Tee Higgins popped up on the team's injury report Thursday ahead of the Week 1 game against the New England Patriots, and the news has only gotten worse.

While fellow superstar Ja'Marr Chase is also on the injury report — listed as questionable — as he seemingly ends his contract dispute with the team, Higgins being on the report is a bit more concerning.

The former second-round pick has dealt with injuries throughout his career with the Bengals and the 2023 season was the first time he missed a significant portion of games — three of which came due to a hamstring injury.

Higgins started the week as a full participant with but a hamstring injury now is likely to keep him out of Sunday's game.

Tee Higgins injury update

After not practicing Friday, the Bengals listed Higgins as doubtful on the final injury report of the week. Head coach Zac Taylor told reporters that Higgins tweaked his hamstring during Thursday's practice.

The fourth-year wide receiver popped up on the injury report following Thursday's practice with a hamstring injury. He was listed as a limited participant.

He was not on the field for practice Friday morning, which is never a good sign this late in the week after being downgraded to limited the day prior.

Following Thursday's practice, Higgins seemed to downplay any concern about his hamstring injury when speaking to reporters.

"It’s definitely the best I’ve felt going into Week 1. I’m physically fine and mentally ready. I’m just ready to get out there," Higgins said. "I feel amazing. I’m just ready to go."

There's no denying what Higgins means to the passing game in Cincinnati. While Chase may be the superstar, Higgins would be the WR1 on the majority of teams across the NFL.

Staying healthy is a major key for the Clemson product as he enters a walk year. The Bengals opted against heavy negotiations on a long-term deal, which led to Higgins signing the franchise tag.

With Chase's contract likely to reset the market, it will be difficult for the Bengals to also get a long-term deal done with Higgins after 2024.

With Higgins now unlikely to play Sunday, the Bengals will lean more on Andrei Iosivas and Jermaine Burton.

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Kevin Hickey

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Hickey was previously the managing editor of USA Today's Colts Wire. His work is also featured as a fantasy football analyst for The Huddle. A career .232 hitter, he is an avid reader of Spider-Man comics, an admirer of the James Webb Space Telescope, and a keen enthusiast of Ma’s sauce. You can find him on Twitter/X @KevinHickey11