Bengals Face Crunch Time as Higgins and Hendrickson Battle Injuries

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has been placed back in concussion protocol after experiencing symptoms following the team's 39-34 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Initially cleared to play, Higgins underwent evaluation at multiple points during the game but reported concussion symptoms after the match, according to coach Zac Taylor. In related news, defensive end Trey Hendrickson is set to visit a specialist for his abdominal strain and will miss Sunday's matchup against the Ravens. ESPN reports that Hendrickson is expected to undergo hernia surgery, potentially sidelining him for at least six weeks and ending his season. Higgins, who had been cleared to play after missing the Bengals' previous game against the Ravens due to a concussion, caught six passes for 92 yards against the Bills. However, his efforts were not enough to secure a win for the Bengals, who fell to 4-9 and four wins below the AFC playoff cutline. This season, Higgins has accumulated 46 catches for 667 yards and nine touchdowns in 12 appearances. Despite missing several games due to injuries, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase have only played together in three games this season. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who celebrated his 31st birthday last week, has played in seven games this season after a holdout over his contract. Although the Bengals have adjusted his 2025 compensation, Hendrickson is still scheduled for free agency in March. He has accumulated 81 sacks in 117 career games, with 17.5 sacks each in 2023 and 2024, but has been limited to just four sacks this season.