The Cincinnati Bengals host the Denver Broncos as they fight for their lives in the NFL playoffs. However, the Bengals do not have a clean bill of health heading into their must-win game against the Broncos.
With three key offensive players and a couple of important defensive options listed on the injury report this week, the Bengals will have had fans and fantasy football managers on the edge of their seats.
Let’s take a look at the injuries the Bengals are dealing with heading into kickoff.
Tee Higgins, WR
After being listed as limited all week on the Bengals’ injury report, Tee Higgins has drawn the questionable tag ahead of the game against the Broncos. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that there is optimism that Higgins will play this weekend after improving throughout the week.
Higgins has dealt with a multitude of nagging injuries this season, but it seems to be trending toward him not missing any time with this latest issue. Higgins got his ankle tweaked underneath him last Sunday against the Browns but was able to return to the game.
Joe Burrow, QB
Despite being listed on the injury report with both right wrist and knee injuries and being limited all week, Joe Burrow was not given a designation on the final report in Week 17.
It was never expected that Burrow’s injuries would keep him out of a must-win game for the Broncos. However, it will be a relief for fantasy managers that Burrow is playing. Having Burrow on the field boosts the entire Bengals’ offense, and he is a far superior fantasy option at quarterback to Jake Browning.
Orlando Brown, OT
Orlando Brown started the week listed as a limited participant with a fibula injury. However, he progressed to a full participant on Wednesday and finished the week without an injury designation.
Brown has missed six games this season, missing Weeks 9, 10, and 11 with a knee/fibula designation. He was able to return in Week 13 after the team’s bye week but has missed the last three games. Getting Brown back before they face a tough Broncos defense will be a welcome addition for the Bengals.
Sam Hubbard, DE
Sam Hubbard will miss his second-straight game in Week 17 with a knee injury. He will be a huge loss for the Bengals in Week 17 against a very good Broncos offensive line. We may not see Hubbard again this season, as the Bengals may shut him down if they are eliminated from the playoffs this week.
Geno Stone, S
Geno Stone was a late addition to the injury report as a non-participant with an illness on Friday. Stone has been an important part of the Bengals’ defense, and his absence will certainly be felt if he is not healthy enough to suit up.
Sheldon Rankins, DT
Shelden Rankins has been absent since Week 10 due to an injury and will miss his sixth straight game. The fact that he has not been placed on the IR suggests that the Bengals believe Rankins should be able to return. However, if they are eliminated this week, they may shut him down for the season.