Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai (58) and wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) celebrate on the bench with Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) after Hubbard runs back a stripped ball for a 98-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter during an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Bengals advanced to the Divisional round of the playoffs with a 24-17 win over the Ravens. Baltimore Ravens At Cincinnati Bengals Afc Wild Card Jan 15 342
The Cincinnati Bengals are on a roll, having won three of their past four games heading into Sunday’s home game against the Houston Texans. However, their momentum may suffer a blow as one of their standout receivers, Tee Higgins, is expected to miss Week 10 and possibly beyond due to a hamstring injury suffered during Wednesday’s practise, according to NFL Media.
On the plus side, Ja’Marr Chase, who had a back injury after a hard fall in Week 9, returned to practise on Thursday. Chase showed confidence in his ability to play against the Texans, saying, “In my head, I’m playing.” “Until further notice and anything else, we’ll see,” CLNS Media reports.
Chase suffered his injury during the Bengals’ recent victory over the Bills, when he collided with a defender while trying a downfield reception. Despite four receptions for 41 yards against the Bills, Chase leads the team with 64 receptions for 697 yards and four touchdowns in eight games.
Higgins, who had recently recovered from a rib injury, had a season-high eight receptions for 110 yards in the win over Buffalo. Higgins, a 2020 second-round pick, helped the Bengals win back-to-back AFC North division titles by producing straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons in the previous two years.
While both Chase and Higgins are irreplaceable, the Bengals have plausible options if either player is unable to play on Sunday, with Higgins being the more likely absence. Tyler Boyd, the team’s veteran wideout, has scored touchdowns in two of the last three games and remains a consistent target for quarterback Joe Burrow.
Rookie wideout Andrei Iosivas, wideout Trenton Irwin, and the tight end combo of Irv Smith Jr., Drew Sample, and Tanner Hudson all contributed 10 catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns against the Bills.
In the absence of key receivers, the Bengals’ offence could shift to a more ground-focused strategy, relying on the talents of running back Joe Mixon, who not only helps in the rushing game but also ranks fourth on the team in receptions. In Week 10, the Bengals will seek to extend their winning run while also adapting to the hurdles given by the possible loss of key offensive weapons.
Higgins, who overcame a recent rib injury, delivered an impressive performance with season-highs of eight receptions for 110 yards in the win over Buffalo. As a 2020 second-round pick, Higgins played a key role in the Bengals’ back-to-back AFC North division titles by posting consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons in the past two years.
While Chase and Higgins are irreplaceable, the Bengals have viable alternatives if they have to play without either player on Sunday, with Higgins being the more likely absence. Tyler Boyd, the team’s veteran wideout, remains a reliable target for quarterback Joe Burrow and has scored touchdowns in two of the last three games.
Rookie wideout Andrei Iosivas, wideout Trenton Irwin, and the tight end combo of Irv Smith Jr., Drew Sample, and Tanner Hudson all contributed 10 catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns against the Bills.
In the absence of key receivers, the Bengals’ offence could shift to a more ground-focused strategy, relying on the talents of running back Joe Mixon, who not only helps in the rushing game but also ranks fourth on the team in receptions. In Week 10, the Bengals will seek to extend their winning run while also adapting to the hurdles given by the possible loss of key offensive weapons.
