Why isn’t Tee Higgins playing for the Bengals against the Ravens on Thanksgiving? Cincinnati WR injury report
The Cincinnati WR has had fans sweating over fitness issues for their upcoming clash in the NFL.
After leaving the field in a daze and being taken off late in Sunday’s game, wide-out Tee Higgins finds himself again sidelined, this time with a concussion that will keep him out of his team’s upcoming Thanksgiving clash.
In the match against the New England Patriots, Higgins leaped to catch a pass and came down hard, his head hitting the turf in a play that ultimately resulted in a penalty. In a shocking few seconds, Higgins remained motionless for several minutes before being carried off the field.
Shortly after the game, medical staff ruled him out for the remainder of the contest. A formal diagnosis confirmed a concussion, meaning he now faces the mandatory concussion-protocol review.
What is the NFL’s concussion protocol?
If a player suffers a hit to the head or shows potential signs of concussion the league’s “Game Day Concussion Checklist” is activated. Triggers include:
- Observable symptoms (e.g. loss of consciousness, unsteady balance, fencing posture, “impact seizure”, or strange motor coordination)
- A report of symptoms by the player
- Suspicion from medical staff, coaches, officials, teammates, or designated unaffiliated neuro-trauma consultants (UNC); even video-booth spotters can flag potential injuries.
NFL Concussion Return to Participation Protocol:
Phase 1: Symptom-Limited Activity
- Player rests and limits activity to basic daily tasks.
- Light stretching or balance work allowed.
- Aim is to ensure symptoms settle without stress.
Phase 2: Aerobic Exercise
- Supervised cardio such as stationary bike or treadmill.
- Can include gentle dynamic stretching and balance exercises.
- Neurocognitive testing may occur after this stage.
- Checks that exertion does not trigger symptoms.
Phase 3: Football-Specific Exercise
- Player performs non-contact football movements.
- Includes light strength training and sport-specific drills.
- Allows medical staff to assess how the brain responds to football-related exertion.
Phase 4: Club-Based Non-Contact Practice
- Player takes part in full practice sessions but with no contact.
- Duration and intensity similar to a normal session.
- Neurocognitive and balance tests must return to baseline before progressing.
Phase 5: Full Football Activity / Clearance
- If non-contact practice is tolerated, the team doctor may clear the player.
- Final approval must also come from an Independent Neurological Consultant (INC).
- Only after both approvals can the player return to full contact and games.
Source: https://www.nfl.com/playerhealthandsafety/health-and-wellness/player-care/concussion-protocol-return-to-participation-protocol
Across the 12 weeks of the season, Higgins has been the Bengals’ most productive scoring threat in the air, leading the team in various numbers. He has been targeted 70 times and has managed 40 receptions for 575 yards, averaging 14.4 yards per catch, along with seven crucial touchdowns.
The Bengals sit third in the AFC North with a 3–8 record, leaving them in a difficult spot as the season heads into its final stretch. They trail both the Steelers and their next opponents, the Ravens, who are tied at 6–5, and only sit ahead of the Browns on tiebreakers.
The Cincinnati Bengals will next face the Baltimore Ravens this Thursday, November 27, at 8:20 p.m. Eastern Time (thanksgiving-night primetime) at M&T Bank Stadium.
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