The Baltimore Ravens will likely have one less weapon to worry about when they face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 10's AFC North matchup on Thursday Night Football. The Bengals officially won’t have wide receiver Tee Higgins (quad) or offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (knee/fibula). Both were ruled out for Thursday Night Football. Higgins was doubtful and Brown questionable heading into today. The Bengals’ other inactives are wide receiver Charlie Jones (groin), running back Kendall Milton, tight end Tanner McLachlan and defensive tackle Cedric Johnson.
The Ravens’ inactives are cornerback Tre’Davious White, tight end Isaiah Likely (hamstring), cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis (knee), defensive end Brent Urban (concussion), running back Rasheen Ali (ankle), outside linebacker Adisa Isaac and center Nick Samac. Baltimore acquired White in a trade from the Rams on Tuesday.
Cincinnati released its updated injury report Wednesday and listed standout receiver Tee Higgins as doubtful with a quad injury. Higgins, who has battled through injury this season, has missed the past two games. He also sat out the first two games of the year before returning in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders. In five appearances this season, he's tallied 29 catches for 341 yards and three touchdowns.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said earlier in the week that “we'll see” if both Higgins and offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. would play against the Ravens. Brown Jr. was listed as questionable on the latest injury report. “We’ll see,” Taylor said. “We’re limited in our field work, but both of those guys have the right attitude about it. So, that’s step one, is they both want to do it. And now, just physically, we’ll put them through everything we can over the next couple of days to see where they can help us.”
While injuries are never fun, the likely absence of Higgins is good news for a Ravens secondary that has been gashed throughout the season, including in Week 5's win over the Bengals. Though Baltimore was able to come away with a thrilling overtime victory, Higgins finished with nine catches for 83 yards and two scores against the Ravens.
Headed into Week 10, the Ravens are surrendering the most passing yards per game (280.9) in the NFL this season. With Higgins doubful, head coach John Harbaugh's defense can now shift more attention toward Bengals star receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who's currently second in the league in receiving yards (717).
Baltimore and Cincinnati will kick off from M&T Bank Stadium at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Ravens Defense Gets a Break
The absence of Tee Higgins could significantly impact the Bengals' offensive game plan. With their star receiver sidelined, the Ravens can focus more on containing Ja'Marr Chase, who has been a dominant force this season. The Ravens' defense, which has struggled against the pass this season, could benefit from the absence of Higgins, who poses a significant threat with his ability to create separation and make big plays downfield.
Bengals Offense Without Higgins
The Bengals' offense will have to adjust to life without Higgins, who has been a reliable target for quarterback Joe Burrow. Without Higgins, the Bengals will likely rely more on Chase, as well as tight end, Mike Gesicki, who has had a good run of games in Higgins' absence.
Impact on Fantasy Football
For fantasy football owners, Higgins' absence creates opportunities and headaches. Owners of Ja'Marr Chase can expect a possible increase in targets, potentially making him a top fantasy option this week. The absence of Higgins also impacts the Bengals' overall fantasy appeal, as it leaves them with fewer high-powered offensive weapons.
Conclusion: Bengals vs. Ravens
The absence of Tee Higgins adds another layer of intrigue to the Bengals vs. Ravens matchup. It's a chance for the Ravens defense to exploit a weakness in the Bengals' offense, potentially turning the tide in their favor. With Higgins out, the Ravens have a chance to capitalize on their defensive advantage, making this a crucial game for the Bengals as they try to stay in the playoff race.
This game could be a pivotal moment in the AFC North race, with both teams vying for a division title and a playoff spot. Keep an eye on how the Bengals offense adapts to life without Higgins and if the Ravens defense can capitalize on his absence. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for the rest of the season for both teams.
