Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is voicing his frustration over recent criticisms from fans who have accused him of faking injuries. The 25-year-old has been sidelined since Week 1 of the NFL season due to a hamstring injury, missing the Bengals’ opening game against the New England Patriots and now likely to miss the upcoming matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Tee Higgins says he doesn't have incentive to fake an injury and sit out 🤷♂️
(via @espn) pic.twitter.com/nwUGAuhoXt
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 13, 2024
Higgins’ absence has been felt acutely in Cincinnati, which suffered a disappointing 16-10 loss to the Patriots in their season opener. The Bengals struggled offensively, particularly in the absence of Higgins. While Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins’ fellow receiver, played in the game, his performance was far from stellar. Chase managed only six receptions for 62 yards and was unable to reach the end zone, leaving the Bengals’ offense in a difficult position. Without a fully effective Chase and Higgins, the Bengals’ ability to move the ball effectively was severely hampered.
Head coach Zach Taylor addressed the media regarding Higgins’ situation, offering a cautiously optimistic update. Taylor acknowledged Higgins’ progress but remained noncommittal about his availability for the upcoming game. “We’ll see,” Taylor said. “I’m not going to rule him out yet for Sunday. We’ll see where he’s at.” This statement reflects the uncertainty surrounding Higgins’ recovery and the Bengals’ need for his return to strengthen their offense.
In response to the criticism he has faced, Higgins expressed his frustration during a media session this week. He took issue with the notion that he might be exaggerating or faking his injury. “I just don’t understand why fans think I’m faking an injury,” Higgins said. “When for me to get an extension for a contract, the deadline is over. It doesn’t make sense to me.” Higgins’ comments reflect his exasperation with the unfounded accusations and his desire to focus on his recovery without added scrutiny.
Higgins, a former standout at Clemson, entered the season with an impressive career record of 257 receptions and nearly 3,700 yards. He has also accumulated 24 touchdowns over his career. His most notable season came in 2022 when he played all 16 games and scored 7 touchdowns. Last season, Higgins caught 42 passes for 656 yards but missed a significant portion of the season, playing only 12 games.
As the Bengals continue to grapple with their early-season struggles, Higgins’ return remains a critical factor for their success. The team will hope for his speedy recovery and a return to full strength, which could be pivotal in turning their season around and regaining their competitive edge.
