The Cincinnati Bengals were dealt a Week 1 loss that left a lot of NFL survivor pool fans reeling. The Bengals faced off against that presumed lowly New England Patriots and dropped the game with a 16-10 final score, which sent many pundits and fans scrambling to find answers as to why this happened.
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Part of the reason the Bengals might have looked far less dynamic than they have in recent years could be due to star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase skipping practice in lieu of a new deal.
Another aspect missing is receiver Tee Higgins. Higgins was also seeking a new deal but chose to instead sign his franchise tag and remain with the team. However, he has also been out of action since suffering a hamstring injury on Sep. 5.
CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 16: Tee Higgins #5 of the Cincinnati Bengals warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Paycor Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bengals Tee Higgins calls out fans for claiming he is faking an injury.
Jeff Dean/Getty Images
A rumor began to swirl about Higgins, with fans stating that he was “faking” an injury instead of suiting up. Now, this rumor has been addressed by the man himself.
Higgins spoke to reporters about the rumor that he is purposely skipping out on playing.
“I just don’t understand why fans think I’m faking an injury, when for me to get an extension for a contract, the deadline is over,” Higgins told ESPN. “I just don’t understand why they think I’m faking an injury. It doesn’t make sense to me.”
Higgins addressed the rumor that swirled online that he was faking an injury, which some believed was tied to his still wanting to push for a new deal. Higgins signed his franchise tag and was ready to go, even stating in July that he was ready to get the regular season going.
“I’m here, man,” Higgins said July 24. “No ifs, ands or buts about it. I’m here and ready to work.”
Higgins likely understands that he is now in the perfect position to garner a much bigger deal at the end of the 2024 season. Should he showcase that he can produce another 1,000-yard+ season, he could be awarded a new deal from the Bengals — or some other team who is willing to give him a better deal.
Either way, it wouldn’t make sense for Higgins to “fake” an injury now that he is playing in a contract year.
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Higgins has dealt with hamstring issues dating back to last season. He missed a total of five games due to hamstring issues, so it could be the same injury coming back to haunt him.
The hope is that Higgins only has this issue early on this season, and he can return to action sooner rather than later.
