As the Bengals gear up for a pivotal Week 16 clash against the Dolphins, one of the biggest questions still hanging in the air is whether wide receiver Tee Higgins will be ready to suit up. Higgins, who’s been in concussion protocol, remains questionable heading into the weekend. Head coach Zac Taylor confirmed on Friday that Higgins still has one final hurdle to clear before he can be cleared to play.
This isn’t the first time the Bengals have had to game plan without him-Higgins has already missed two of the team’s last three games due to the concussion. He’s been limited in practice throughout the week, which at least suggests some progress, but his status will likely come down to the wire.
On the defensive side, Cincinnati will be without several key contributors. Defensive end Joseph Ossai, defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, tight end Noah Fant, and wide receiver Charlie Jones have all been ruled out with ankle injuries. Jenkins’ injury is particularly significant-he’s headed to injured reserve, bringing his 2025 season to an early end.
That’s a tough blow for a defensive front that’s already been dealing with its share of attrition. Jenkins had been carving out a role in the rotation, and his absence will force the Bengals to rely even more heavily on their depth.
But there’s some good news for the defensive line, too. Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart is set to make his return.
Stewart said earlier this week that he planned to play, and now it’s official: he’ll be activated and is expected to take the field on Sunday. The Bengals will need to make a corresponding move to get him onto the 53-man roster by Saturday, but his presence should be a welcome addition to a unit looking for fresh legs and impact plays.
With playoff implications looming, every player counts-and the Bengals are hoping they’ll have Higgins and Stewart ready to go when they face a surging Dolphins squad.