Tee Higgins 'hopeful' to play against Cardinals this weekend despite rib injury
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins provided a positive status update on Monday after he suffered a fractured rib against the Titans. Initially expected to miss time, the former Clemson star expressed hope that he might be able to play as soon as Week 5 against the 1-3 Arizona Cardinals.
“Tee Higgins said he landed wrong and fractured a rib, not several ribs,” Bengals beat reporter Kelsey Conway shared from Monday’s media availability with the players. “Tee also didn’t rule out playing this week, said he’s ‘hopeful’ to play this week and if he can’t go this week, next week.”
Higgins sustained the injury during the Week 4 game against the Titans. He had eight targets but no catches before leaving the contest. Cincinnati fell to 1-3 after losing 27-3 to Tennessee.
Through the first four games, Higgins has totaled 12 catches for 129 yards and a pair of touchdowns. It’s not the most exciting start, but the receiver has proven he’s more than capable of being a strong target in Cincinnati’s passing attack.
Each of the past two seasons, Higgins has totaled more than 1,000 receiving yards for the Bengals. It will be hard for him to reach that mark after the slow start this year, on top of the potential scratch for Week 5. His absence will also allow defenses to put an even heavier emphasis on start receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
Ja’Marr Chase frustrated after Bengals’ loss to Titans
It goes without saying that players aren’t usually happy after a loss. That applied to Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase on Sunday after another tough defeat, this time to the Titans.
Chase finished the game with seven catches for 73 yards but still has yet to haul in a touchdown reception through four games. It’s been a tough start for the two-time Pro Bowler and the 2021 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
After the game, Chase was asked if he feels like it’s getting harder to get open this season. If the “window” for his opportunities is shrinking. The receiver was adamant that isn’t the case.
“I’m open,” Chase said. “I’m always f***ing open. Excuse my profanity, I’m sorry.”
Chase has totaled 29 catches for 284 yards to start the season. He had a huge game in Cincinnati’s 19-16 win over the Rams in Week 3, hauling in 12 receptions for 141 yards.
Entering the year, Cincinnati was expected to be one of the top contenders to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC. While that might eventually be the case, the Bengals certainly don’t look that way through four games.
Cincinnati travels to Arizona to play the Cardinals in Week 5. Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. ET and the game airs on FOX.