Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is preparing to make his season debut on Monday Night Football against the Washington Commanders.
After missing the first two games due to a hamstring injury, Higgins says he feels fully recovered and is ready to contribute at full capacity.
He said: “I feel great,” Higgins said after Friday’s practice. “Obviously, unfortunate with the injury, sat out the first two weeks, but finally ready to get my feet wet this season and ready to go.”
Although Higgins felt good during warmups before last week’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, he opted to be cautious to ensure he could return at 100% and handle a full workload upon his return.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed Higgins’ availability, stating that the wide receiver had a strong week of practice leading up to the game.
The fifth-year receiver also admits he has had enough reps to feel confident and ready for the prime-time showdown.
Starting your morning off with some Tee 🫖@teehiggins5 | #RuleTheJungle pic.twitter.com/VcI7WSlxLQ
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 20, 2024
Higgins has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in two of his four NFL seasons and had a solid training camp before suffering the hamstring injury just days before the season opener against the New England Patriots.
Initially, the injury seemed minor, but further evaluation revealed it was more serious than expected.
“That’s why I was so bummed out that it happened because it was something I focused on this offseason for it not to happen, and it did, but I’m back now so it’s cool,” he added.
Ja’Marr Chase, who has been dealing with constant double teams in Higgins’ absence, had just four catches for 35 yards against Kansas City.
He believes Higgins’ presence will ease some of the defensive pressure.
“I feel like we need a win, just put it under our belt just so we can feel relaxed and just get a win at home,” Chase said.
Puttin’ in the work.
🔜 #WASvsCIN 9/23 at 8:15 pm pic.twitter.com/i3WuHwVchb
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 21, 2024
“I think that’s another good thing that’ll be good for us. And having a full offence back as one whole unit, finally, I think that would be good for us.”
The Bengals, who are off to an 0-2 start, are hoping Higgins’ return will provide the boost they need to turn their season around.
Higgins and the Bengals have yet to reach a long-term contract agreement, and the team placed a one-year franchise tag on him for this season.
“This makes him a free agent at the end of the year. Despite the looming contract situation, Higgins insists he isn’t focusing on the potential financial implications of his performance this season.
“I don’t really look at it that way,” Higgins said when asked about the situation. “I’ve just got to go out and be me and play my game, and the rest will take care of itself.”
