By Rowan Fisher-ShottonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe New England Patriots edged the Cincinnati Bengals 26-20 in Week 12 at Paycor Stadium.
New England built its lead with 17 points in the second quarter, highlighted by a Hunter Henry touchdown and a pick-six from Marcus Jones.
Cincinnati answered with a 63-yard Evan McPherson field goal before halftime, and Joe Flacco connected with Mike Tinsley for a fourth-quarter touchdown.
However, the game’s most concerning moment came with 4:50 left in the final quarter.
Flacco targeted wide receiver Tee Higgins deep, but the pass fell incomplete.
Higgins struck his head on the turf, remained motionless, and was carted off.
He was later ruled out with a concussion.
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Higgins, taken in the second round (No. 33 overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft, has been a consistent outside threat, part of the Bengals’ offensive core alongside Ja’Marr Chase.
Despite sitting behind Chase as the team's No. 2 receiver, Higgins has enjoyed a productive six-year NFL career, posting consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2021 and 2022, along with a career-high 10 receiving touchdowns last year.
Coming into Sunday, he had 35 receptions, 544 yards, and seven touchdowns on the season, averaging 15.5 yards per catch.
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Unfortunately, Higgins has dealt with several injuries over his career, including hamstring issues that sidelined him for multiple stretches in 2023 and 2024, an ankle injury last season, and a prior concussion in 2022.
Despite flashes of dominance, recurring soft-tissue injuries have limited his availability, missing multiple games each of the last three seasons.
The NFL protocol for concussions is a five-step process that includes rest, light activity, non-contact drills, full practice, and medical clearance.
Recovery timelines vary widely, as some players return in a week, others miss multiple games, depending on the severity of the concussion.
Higgins will undergo further evaluation in the coming days, at which point we should receive an official update.
At 3–8, Cincinnati’s playoff hopes are slim, and losing a key receiver only deepens an already disappointing season.
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