Tee Higgins posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2021 and 2022. On the other hand, the wideout struggled last season by posting career lows in receptions (42), receiving yards (656), and touchdowns (five).
He was also limited 12 games due to injury. Higgins entered the offseason in search of a new contract. Talks between both sides weren’t productive, with the Bengals eventually utilizing the franchise tag.
Although Higgins wasn’t thrilled with the idea of playing on the tag, he signed it, guaranteeing him at least one more season with the Bengals.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
The Latest On Tee Higgins For Week 1
UPDATE: Higgins has officially been ruled out of Week 1. Ja'Marr Chase is active.
Without question, most assumed the 25-year-old would be motivated to produce at a high level throughout the 2024-25 campaign, hoping to raise his stock for a lucrative deal come next offseason.
Also seeking an extension, Ja'Marr Chase has mostly spectated during training camp. While Chase and the Bengals are actively negotiating, the former LSU Tiger’s availability for Sunday’s matchup with the Patriots has been questioned for weeks.
As a result, Higgins’ fantasy managers were ecstatic, considering his ceiling would increase significantly if Chase weren't on the field for Week 1.
However, things took an ugly turn for fantasy managers when Higgins popped up on Wednesday’s injury report with a hamstring injury. The situation has gone downhill since then, with the wideout logging a limited session on Thursday before missing Friday’s practice altogether.
Bengals are listing Tee Higgins as doubtful for Sunday’s game vs. the Patriots due to his hamstring injury, and Ja’Marr Chase as questionable.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 6, 2024
His absence on Friday resulted in a doubtful injury designation heading into the opener, leaving many questioning his health and availability for the showdown with New England.
Some also doubt the legitimacy of the ailment, especially since Higgins didn’t get what he wanted from a financial standpoint in the offseason. At any rate, how likely is it that Higgins won’t be in uniform on Sunday?
Will Tee Higgins Play In Week 1?
Historically speaking, doubtful tags are hard to shake. Had the 25-year-old been questionable, fantasy managers would have reason to be optimistic. Yet, everyone should plan on Higgins sitting out.
With that said, fantasy managers should immediately search on the waiver wire as soon as possible for a replacement. While Andrei Iosivas has been a popular free agent since the news broke, there's no guarantee he'll be the primary beneficiary.
Ja’Marr Chase’s injury status now includes an illness for tomorrow’s game. He remains questionable.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) September 7, 2024
For that reason, Trenton Irwin and rookie Jermaine Burton have nearly the same upside. This will be more true if Chase, who is also now battling an illness, is ruled out.
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
Win More With RotoBaller
Be sure to also check out all of our other daily fantasy football articles and analysis to help you set those winning lineups, including this new RotoBaller YouTube video:
More Fantasy Football Analysis