As the Cincinnati Bengals push through the final stretch of the 2025 regular season, all eyes are on the status of wide receiver Tee Higgins - and for good reason. Higgins has missed two of the last three games after suffering a pair of concussions in consecutive weeks, and his availability for Week 16 remains very much in question.
Let’s break down where things stand.
Higgins first entered concussion protocol following a hit in Week 12, which sidelined him for Week 13. He returned in Week 14, but unfortunately, that comeback was short-lived - he sustained another concussion, forcing him to sit out this past Sunday’s game. Two concussions in such a short span is a serious concern, and the Bengals are understandably proceeding with caution.
There was some encouraging movement last week. Higgins managed to participate in two limited practices, which is a notable step forward in the NFL's multi-phase concussion protocol. That kind of progress suggests he’s trending in the right direction, but it’s far from a guarantee he’ll be ready to go this weekend.
As of Monday, head coach Zac Taylor confirmed that Higgins remains in the protocol. That’s not surprising - after all, he didn’t clear it last week, and players typically need to string together multiple signs of improvement before being cleared for game action.
The next big checkpoint will come when Higgins logs a full practice. That would indicate he’s passed the earlier stages of the protocol and is nearing the final hurdle: clearance from an independent neurologist. Until then, it’s a waiting game.
The Bengals, who are set to play on Sunday, will release their first injury report on Wednesday. If Higgins is still limited, it’ll signal that his recovery is progressing, but not complete. A full practice, on the other hand, would be a strong indicator that he’s on track to return in Week 16.
For Cincinnati, getting Higgins back would be a major boost. His ability to stretch the field and win contested catches adds a dynamic layer to this offense. But given the nature of back-to-back concussions, the team - and Higgins himself - will be making sure every box is checked before he steps back between the lines.
For now, Bengals fans will have to keep a close eye on the practice reports this week. Higgins is trending upward, but the final call is still very much up in the air.