Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is returning on Sunday after lacking the ultimate six video games of the 2023 season, however he could also be with out his prime two weapons. Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase could possibly be on the sidelines for his or her Week 1 matchup in opposition to the New England Patriots as they cope with an harm and contract negotiations, respectively.
Higgins is listed as uncertain, after Bengals coach Zac Taylor stated Higgins “tweaked” his hamstring in follow on Thursday, per ESPN. When requested if he can be able to go for the house opener, Taylor was not assured both method, saying, “we’ll see.”
On the crew’s harm report, Higgins was listed as a restricted participant on Thursday and didn’t follow on Friday, per ESPN. The extent of Higgins’ harm isn’t identified.
Taylor used the identical verbiage whereas talking on Chase’s standing, saying “we’ll see” if he performs, amidst contract points with the crew. Chase has been a “hold-in,” however lastly practiced Wednesday as a restricted participant. Chase says a deal is in attain, however with out an official extension, his standing will stay unknown.
Higgins was additionally searching for a brand new contract this offseason, however the two sides have been unable to agree on a long-term contract and he determined to go along with the franchise tag, somewhat than maintain out.
Final season, Chase was the crew’s prime receiver with 100 receptions, 1,217 yards and 7 touchdowns. Higgins completed with 42 receptions for 656 yards and 5 touchdowns.
The Bengals large receiver room additionally contains rookie Jermaine Burton, Andrei Iosivas, Charlie Jones and Trenton Irwin. Cincinnati’s run recreation, which options Zack Moss and Chase Brown, might get extra seems to be if the Bengals are skinny on the large receiver place. Tight ends Mike Gesicki and Drew Pattern are two different pass-catching choices for Burrow.
Fortunately for the Bengals, they’re going up in opposition to one of many weaker groups within the league. The Patriots protection is actually higher than their offense, however with a first-year coach in Jerod Mayo and shedding a star like Matt Judon to the Atlanta Falcons, the menace turns into extra neutralized.
Whether or not Chase and/or Higgins are on the sector, the sport will kick off Sunday at 1 p.m. at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.