AFC North Update: Higgins Battles, Ravens Regroup, and Pickens Finds New Ground
Tee Higgins Shows Grit, But Returns to Concussion Protocol
Tee Higgins isn’t one to back down from a challenge - or a hit. The Bengals wideout was checked multiple times for a concussion during Cincinnati’s Week 14 matchup, just two weeks after suffering one. Despite the recent history and the obvious risk, Higgins stayed on the field as long as he was cleared, leaning into a mindset that’s as old-school football as it gets.
“I’m a soldier,” Higgins said after the game. “Soldiers take hits.
You know, it happens. It’s football.
It’s the name of the game. But you’ve got to get up.
Next play mentality.”
That mentality might be admirable, but it’s also walking a fine line. Higgins admitted he never thought twice about staying in the game, emphasizing his team-first approach.
“My team needed me, you know, I feel like they did. So I went out there and played. Tried to dog it out with my team.”
Unfortunately, the aftermath tells a different story. Higgins experienced concussion symptoms after the game and will re-enter the league’s concussion protocol, per head coach Zac Taylor. It’s a tough break for a Bengals team that’s already dealing with some major injury blows - and now has to navigate the final stretch without one of its top weapons potentially at full strength.
Trey Hendrickson’s Season Over - and Possibly His Bengals Tenure Too
The Bengals also lost a key piece on the other side of the ball. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery for a core muscle injury. That’s a significant hit to Cincinnati’s pass rush, which has leaned heavily on Hendrickson’s motor and production over the past few seasons.
But this injury might be more than just a season-ending setback. According to reports, this could mark the end of Hendrickson’s time in Cincinnati altogether. There’s growing tension between the player and the organization, particularly around contract-related drama, and frustration has reportedly been building behind the scenes.
If this is indeed the final chapter of Hendrickson’s Bengals career, it ends with a mix of high-impact play on the field and unresolved issues off it - a tough pill to swallow for a defense that’s already dealing with its share of adversity.
Ravens Refocus After Missed Opportunity
Baltimore had a shot to take control of the AFC North - and let it slip away. A 27-22 loss to the Steelers in Week 14 dropped the Ravens to 6-7, and while they’re still in the thick of the divisional race, the margin for error is shrinking fast.
Veteran running back Derrick Henry isn’t looking too far ahead. For him, the focus is on the here and now.
“I really am not trying to think about the playoffs, just because we just lost,” Henry said. “I am just trying to focus on watching film, figuring out [what] I can do, and do better. [I want to] finish the season strong, and then see where we land.”
That’s a grounded response from a player who knows what it takes to win in December. Henry emphasized the importance of execution and complementary football - the kind of detail-oriented focus that can make or break a postseason push.
“Every game now is important for us to be able to get a chance at the playoffs,” he added. “But, like I said, it doesn’t matter right now. [We need to] learn from this one to get ready for the Bengals next week.”
That Week 15 matchup against Cincinnati is shaping up to be critical. Both teams are banged up, both are desperate, and both know what’s at stake. Expect a slugfest.
George Pickens’ Fresh Start in Dallas After Rocky Pittsburgh Exit
George Pickens’ time in Pittsburgh was never short on highlights - or headlines. The talented wide receiver was traded to the Cowboys this past offseason, ending a stretch with the Steelers that was as unpredictable as it was electric.
Inside the Steelers’ building, there were mixed feelings. One team source didn’t hold back when describing Pickens’ time in the locker room.
“He’s a child,” the source said. “The playmaking is breathtaking.
You can’t take that away from him. He just really struggled with the maturity part [in Pittsburgh].
You didn’t know what you were going to get day to day.”
Another source echoed similar sentiments, pointing to Pickens’ inconsistency in attitude and coachability.
“When he was having a good day, he’s really fun to be around. Funny, cracking jokes, huge smile,” they said.
“When he wasn’t having a good day, he didn’t want to be bothered or coached. I could never put my finger on why.
When the ball was in the air, I never worried whether he was going to catch the ball and get his feet in bounds.”
That kind of talent can be hard to part with - but sometimes, a fresh start is what both sides need.
In Dallas, Pickens seems to be getting that reset. Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said most of the feedback he received before the trade was positive, though he was warned about some minor issues like occasional tardiness.
“Different things,” Schottenheimer said. “How much he loved football, that he loves to play the game. You might have to deal with him being late occasionally and some things like that… But for the most part it was all positive.”
And from the moment Pickens arrived in Dallas, Schottenheimer saw a player eager to turn the page.
“The minute I sat down with George Pickens in my office, and we shot some hoops, it was very clear to me, this guy was fired up to be a Dallas Cowboy and excited to help us go win games.”
The Cowboys are betting on that passion translating into production - and if Pickens can channel his elite ability with a more consistent approach, Dallas might have landed one of the most dynamic young receivers in the league.
Final Word
The AFC North is living up to its reputation - gritty, unpredictable, and filled with storylines that stretch well beyond the box score. Whether it’s Higgins battling through injury, the Ravens trying to find their stride, or Pickens turning the page in Dallas, every move matters now.
December football is here, and the margin for error is razor-thin. Buckle up.