Tee Higgins suffered fractured rib, expected to miss time
The Bengals offense has taken another significant hit. Wide receiver Tee Higgins, who exited Sunday’s game against the Titans, reportedly suffered a rib fracture, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Higgins sustained the injury during Sunday’s Week 4 game. He had two catches for 19 yards before leaving the contest. Cincinnati fell to 1-3 after losing a 27-3 decision to Tennessee.
“#Bengals WR Tee Higgins, who was declared out today, suffered a rib fracture, source said,” Rapoport wrote on X. “Could keep him off the field for a bit.”
At this time, it’s unclear how long Higgins could be sidelined. Given how much the Bengals have struggled through the first four games, though, it’s a significant loss for the team.
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. 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.