At 2-1, the Cincinnati Bengals weren't perfect entering their matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, but they were relatively healthy. Any time the Bengals have Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins all available, they have to feel good about their chances of winning. Well, the Bengals fell 22-17 in disappointing fashion and also may have lost their top two playmakers for a little while in the process. Life moves fast in the NFL, dearest readers.
Not only did Chase suffer a concussion against the Jaguars, but Higgins also apparently suffered an adductor injury late in the game, according to head coach Zac Taylor. Both are obviously concerning injuries, with Higgins in particular being of that delicate soft-tissue variety that may
linger for a while if the Bengals aren't careful with the receiver.
In other words: Cincinnati probably needs to already pivot to a "next man up" mentality at receiver.
Tee Higgins has an abductor injury per Zac Taylor
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) October 4, 2026
Chase has a serious head injury and will almost certainly be on concussion protocol this week. Higgins' injury is a little bit different. Assuming Higgins has strained his adductor, a.k.a. his groin, he will likely miss at least a month or so of recovery time, even with the lowest grade of strain, per Cleveland Clinic. Woof, that's a tough break for the Bengals, who could ill afford to be without both Chase and Higgins amid a two-game losing streak.
Who are Ja'Marr Chase's and Tee Higgins' backups on the Bengals?
Dohnte Meyers and Mitchell Tinsley are listed as Chase's and Higgins' respective backups on Cincinnati's official depth chart.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Bengals coach shared a grim update on Tee Higgins' injury
