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. 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).
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.
Baltimore acquired White in a trade from the Rams on Tuesday.
Baltimore and Cincinnati will kick off from M&T Bank Stadium at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Bengals Injury Report
The Bengals' injury report paints a grim picture for their Week 10 matchup against the Ravens.
Tee Higgins Injury
The most significant injury is to Tee Higgins. Higgins was initially listed as doubtful, but the Bengals ruled him out for the game. He's been a key part of the Bengals' offense, and his absence could be a big blow to their chances of winning on Thursday night.
Orlando Brown Jr. Injury
The Bengals are also without Orlando Brown Jr., who suffered a knee/fibula injury earlier in the week. Brown Jr. was questionable for the game, but the Bengals ultimately ruled him out as well. Brown Jr.'s absence will leave a hole in the Bengals' offensive line, and it's a tough loss for a team that's already struggled to protect quarterback Joe Burrow.
Ravens Injury Report
The Ravens also have their fair share of injuries, but their injury report is less concerning than the Bengals'. The Ravens will be without tight end Isaiah Likely, who's dealing with a hamstring injury. Likely's absence could be a big blow to the Ravens' offense, as he's been a favorite target of quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Bengals vs. Ravens: Fantasy Football Implications
The Bengals and Ravens game has huge implications for fantasy football players.
Bengals Offense
With Higgins out, Ja'Marr Chase becomes the Bengals' clear No. 1 receiver. Chase has been a fantasy monster this season, and he could be in for a big game against a Ravens defense that's struggling against the pass.
Ravens Offense
The Ravens' offense will need to adjust without Likely. Mark Andrews should see more targets as Likely's primary replacement. Look for Andrews to be a top tight end option in Week 10.
The Battle of the AFC North
The Bengals and Ravens have been bitter rivals for years, and this game is always a must-watch. Both teams are fighting for a playoff spot, and this game could have a major impact on the AFC North race. This week's Thursday Night Football game promises to be a thrilling matchup, but with injuries on both sides, it'll be interesting to see which team can overcome their losses and come out on top.
Bengals-Ravens Game Preview: A Look At The Key Matchups
The Bengals and Ravens face off in what promises to be a highly contested AFC North battle. Here are some of the key matchups to watch:
Lamar Jackson vs. The Bengals Defense
Lamar Jackson is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, and he's been playing at an MVP level this season. The Bengals' defense has struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks in recent years. Expect Jackson to be a major factor in the game, and his ability to make plays with his legs could be the key to a Ravens win.
Ja'Marr Chase vs. The Ravens Secondary
Chase is a dangerous wide receiver, and he's had success against the Ravens in the past. The Ravens' secondary is struggling against the pass, and Chase could be in for a big game. The Ravens will need to find a way to contain Chase, or he could have a breakout performance.
The Bengals Offensive Line vs. The Ravens Pass Rush
The Bengals' offensive line has been a weakness this season, and they'll be without their starting left tackle, Orlando Brown Jr. The Ravens' pass rush is one of the best in the NFL, and they could cause problems for Burrow if they can get consistent pressure. The Bengals need to protect Burrow, or he could be in for a long night.
The Ravens Run Game vs. The Bengals Run Defense
The Ravens have a strong running game, led by Derrick Henry, and they could have success against a Bengals defense that's struggled to stop the run. The Bengals' defense is still one of the best in the NFL, but they have struggled against mobile quarterbacks, and the Ravens could find some success on the ground.
The Stakes Are High For Both Teams
The Bengals and Ravens are both fighting for playoff spots, and this game could have a major impact on their season. Expect a close, hard-fought game.
Bengals' Playoff Hopes
The Bengals are currently 4-5 and need to win games to stay in the playoff race. A loss to the Ravens would put them in a very difficult spot, and it could be a huge blow to their playoff hopes.
Ravens' Playoff Hopes
The Ravens are 6-3 and are currently in a good position to make the playoffs. A win over the Bengals would solidify their spot in the AFC playoff picture.
This game is a must-win for the Bengals, and it's a big opportunity for the Ravens to gain a key victory. Both teams are capable of winning, and this game is sure to be a nail-biter.
Bengals vs. Ravens: What to Expect
Expect a tight, hard-fought game between two evenly matched teams. The Bengals are facing a tough task, as they're dealing with injuries on both sides of the ball. However, the Ravens have their own issues, and they'll need to find a way to contain Chase and Burrow if they want to win. This is a game that could go down to the wire, and it's sure to be a thrilling matchup.
