The Bengals' Playoff Puzzle: Can Tee Higgins Stay Healthy?
As the Cincinnati Bengals navigate through the 2023 season, one player's health seems to be a key factor in their success — Tee Higgins. With a record of 6-4 when Higgins graces the field and a disappointing 1-4 in his absence, his presence clearly carries weight. However, the upcoming matchup against the Denver Broncos in Week 17 raises questions, as Higgins is listed as questionable due to lingering injuries.
Crucial Week 17 and Playoff Implications
The Bengals face a complex scenario towards making the playoffs: they need to win their remaining games, rely on the Broncos losing, and hope both the Dolphins and Colts drop at least one of their last two contests. This makes the next few games not just critical, but perhaps season-defining. Higgins, who has already missed five games this season, could be instrumental in this playoff push if he's fit enough to play.
Higgins' Impact and Injury Concerns
Higgins has been a standout performer, matching his career high for touchdown catches and achieving his second most productive season in terms of receiving yards per game, averaging 72.7. Recently, he found the end zone in five of his last six appearances, demonstrating his potential as a game-changer. Yet, his current status is a cause for concern. Higgins has been nursing knee and ankle injuries, which limited his practice participation this week. Despite making it back on the field for the Week 16 victory over the Browns, his practice involvement since a quad injury in Week 11 has been restricted.
All Eyes on Ja'Marr Chase
While Higgins' health remains uncertain, Ja'Marr Chase has been a beacon of consistency and excellence for Cincinnati. On track to join an elite group as maybe the 13th receiver in NFL history to clinch the "triple crown," Chase’s performance could be pivotal in the Bengals' playoff hunt. His efforts will be essential if Higgins' injuries keep him sidelined or limit his effectiveness on game day.
Joe Burrow's MVP Caliber Season
It’s also hard to ignore the impact of Joe Burrow, whose performance may earn him the title of Bengals' MVP this season. Burrow’s leadership and ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments have been instrumental in keeping the Bengals in the playoff conversation, especially with key players like Higgins dealing with injuries.
The Bengals’ fate is as much in the hands of their playmakers' health as it is their on-field performance. With stakes high in the coming weeks, Cincinnati fans will be anxiously watching injury reports and scoreboard updates alike. As Saturday's game approaches, the question remains: Can Tee Higgins shake off his injuries and be the difference-maker the Bengals need?