CINCINNATI — The Bengals could possibly be with out three key offensive starters for a recreation that will likely be essential for his or her playoff hopes.
Vast receiver Tee Higgins and left sort out Orlando Brown Jr. had been each be listed as uncertain for Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders, whereas operating again Zack Moss didn’t follow Friday with a neck harm, based on the sport standing report, and can also be listed as uncertain.
Moss, who signed with the Bengals within the offseason, has break up the majority of the backfield snaps with Chase Brown, totaling 242 yards and two touchdowns.
Neither Higgins nor Brown practiced all week. Higgins has been out since he injured his quadriceps final Friday and missed the Bengals’ Week 8 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Brown aggravated a proper knee harm that knocked him out of Week 7’s win over the Cleveland Browns.
If Brown cannot begin, will probably be solely the second recreation in his seven-year profession that he’ll miss. As a member of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, the four-time Professional Bowler didn’t face the Bengals in Week 17 of the 2021 season.
Ought to Higgins not be capable of go, rookie Jermaine Burton may proceed to see his workload improve. The third-round select of Alabama had a season-high 24 snaps in opposition to the Eagles.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor mentioned Burton has made progress in latest weeks and is amongst those that may fill the void if Higgins cannot play.
“I believe Jermaine has made progress to the place we get increasingly more assured with him each week within the scheme and he is getting extra consolation with the quarterback,” Taylor advised reporters.
On Thursday, Burton mentioned he was desperate to benefit from any improve in snaps after his utilization was minimal by means of the primary seven video games of the season.
“I really feel like I’ve simply been the identical,” Burton mentioned. “I’ve simply been ready [for] my flip, my alternative. I simply advised myself no matter alternative I get, I do not care when it’s, simply make the very best of it.”
If Higgins is out in opposition to the Raiders (2-6), will probably be the fourth recreation he has missed this season. He didn’t play within the first two video games of the yr with a hamstring harm.
Higgins is taking part in on the one-year franchise tag and is about to grow to be a free agent after the season. Earlier within the week, Taylor indicated the staff was possible going to face pat forward of Tuesday’s commerce deadline.
“The staff that we have is the staff that we’ll proceed to educate and consider in these guys,” Taylor mentioned.
