Zac Taylor Faces Tough Reality as Tee Higgins Is Ruled Out for Crucial Matchup
CINCINNATI — On Friday afternoon, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor addressed the media with a heavy heart, as the fate of his team’s playoff hopes hangs in the balance. The focus of conversation was the status of wide receiver Tee Higgins, who has been officially ruled out for Sunday’s pivotal matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Higgins failed to clear the concussion protocol in time to participate in practice this week, marking a significant blow to Cincinnati’s offensive plans.
Health Precautions for Higgins
This decision to hold Higgins out is a cautious one, prioritizing his long-term health over immediate game-day performance. He sustained his first concussion of the season on November 23 against the New England Patriots and recently suffered another in the game against the Buffalo Bills. The Bengals are taking a careful approach, ensuring that Higgins is fully recovered before returning to the field.
Injury Updates on Other Players
In addition to Higgins, defensive lineman Shemar Stewart is also facing uncertainty regarding his availability. Stewart, who has been dealing with a knee injury, remains a long shot to play this week. Although there is a possibility he could be activated from injured reserve, the doubtful designation suggests he is unlikely to contribute against the Ravens. Should Stewart be unable to go, expect another defensive player to be elevated from the practice squad to fill the gap.
“Unfortunately, he had a setback with the injury. It’s nothing he can control,” Taylor remarked, expressing his disappointment regarding Stewart’s situation. “We’ve got high expectations for him, and he’s worked really hard to meet those and done everything he can do. If he’s able to get in a game this week, we just want to keep progressing him.”
Playoff Implications Looming
The stakes could not be higher for the Bengals as they prepare for Sunday’s contest. With a loss, Cincinnati will find itself officially eliminated from postseason contention, a grim reality that Taylor hopes to avoid. Compounding the challenge, the Bengals will also be without star defensive end Trey Hendrickson, further complicating their chances against a formidable Ravens squad.
Taylor has urged his team to fight with tenacity, regardless of the circumstances. “I want to see our guys fight until the death of our season,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of the moment.
The Bengals and Ravens are set to kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, with Cincinnati’s playoff aspirations resting squarely on the outcome of this crucial game.
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