The Cincinnati Bengals came into this season with expectations that were as high as the skyline over Paycor Stadium. After a 2-0 start, it looked like they were ready to make a serious push to end their postseason drought.
But that early momentum came at a cost - and a steep one. Star quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a turf toe injury in Week 2, and it sidelined him for a significant stretch of the season.
Without him, the Bengals struggled to find their rhythm.
Burrow’s return came earlier than expected, and with both the Steelers and Ravens facing their own inconsistencies, Cincinnati still had a narrow window to claw back into the AFC North race. But Sunday’s loss to the Bills may have slammed that window shut. It was a gut-punch of a game - one that not only dinged their playoff hopes but also raised serious questions about the health of one of Burrow’s most trusted weapons.
Wide receiver Tee Higgins is back in the concussion protocol after experiencing symptoms following the game, head coach Zac Taylor confirmed on Monday. That’s a troubling development, especially considering it’s the second time in three weeks that Higgins has shown signs of a concussion.
Higgins’ condition is more than just a footnote in a lost season. This is a player who’s been a key part of the Bengals’ offensive identity - a big-bodied, reliable target who complements Ja’Marr Chase and stretches the field in ways that keep opposing defenses honest. But now, with his health in question and the team’s postseason hopes hanging by a thread, the Bengals face a tough call.
Fans watching Sunday’s game didn’t need a medical degree to see something wasn’t right. Higgins was visibly shaken after several hits, often grabbing at his helmet and showing clear signs of discomfort. The concern was immediate, and it’s only grown louder since the news broke that he’s back in protocol.
This isn’t just about one game or even one season. It’s about a player’s long-term health.
Two concussions in such a short span is serious, and it puts the Bengals in a position where they may have to prioritize caution over competition. The same could be said for Burrow, who’s already battled through injury and now finds himself leading a team that may be out of realistic playoff contention.
We’ll see how the Bengals handle it from here. With just a few games left and their postseason odds fading fast, there’s a real possibility that the franchise could opt to shut down some of its stars and shift focus to 2026. It’s not the ending they envisioned back in Week 1, but given the circumstances, it might be the smartest move for everyone involved.