Just as the Cincinnati Bengals are getting one offensive star back, they’re losing another.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor announced on Monday, Nov. 24 that he expects quarterback Joe Burrow to play on Thanksgiving against the Baltimore Ravens. At the same time, he ruled out wide receiver Tee Higgins for the Week 13 game.
Higgins sustained a concussion with fewer than five minutes remaining in the Bengals’ Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots. As he attempted to make a one-handed catch, he fell to the turf without bracing himself and slammed the back of his head on the ground.
Higgins had to be carted off of the field as he held the back of his head. He’ll have to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol to make his return later this year.
Here’s what we know about Higgins’ injury and when he might return:
When will Tee Higgins return?
Higgins will miss the Bengals’ Week 13 meeting with the Ravens on Thanksgiving.
Cincinnati’s head coach ruled out his team’s No. 2 receiver on Monday, Nov. 24, one day after Higgins sustained a concussion. The wideout hit his head hard on the ground while trying to make a one-handed catch late in the Bengals’ Week 12 loss to the Patriots.
Higgins entered the league’s concussion protocol on Sunday, Nov. 23, meaning he will have to complete a five-step recovery process before his return to action later this year. The Bengals’ receiver has suffered one concussion previously in his NFL career: Week 1 against the Steelers in 2022. Though he left that game in the second quarter, he did not miss any additional time.
What is the NFL’s concussion protocol?
The NFL breaks its concussion protocol down into five steps. The process is designed to break up the recovery process from a head injury ensure a player’s safety.
A player in the protocol must clear all five steps before they’re cleared to play.
Here are the five steps, according to the NFL:
Symptom-limited activity
Aerobic exercise
Football-specific exercise
Club-based non-contact training drills
Full football activity/clearance
Tee Higgins stats
Through 12 weeks, Higgins is the Bengals’ leader in receiving touchdowns and 20+ yard catches.
Targets: 70
Receptions: 40
Receiving yards: 575
Yards per reception: 14.4
Touchdowns: 7