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CINCINNATI — Bengals broad receiver Tee Higgins is confused by the narrative surrounding his present damage scenario.
Higgins advised ESPN on Thursday that his hamstring damage that has saved him off form this week is totally unrelated to his contract standing. Higgins has not practiced since he injured a hamstring in apply Sept. 5, only a few days earlier than the workforce’s season-opening loss to the New England Patriots.
However the fifth-year participant made it identified that he needs to be on the sector.
“I simply do not perceive why followers assume I am faking an damage, when for me to get an extension for a contract, the deadline is over,” Higgins advised ESPN. “I simply do not perceive why they assume I am faking an damage. It does not make sense to me.”
Higgins didn’t apply for the second straight day as he continues to get well from his hamstring subject.
The deadline Higgins referred to was July 15. That is the ultimate day groups and gamers who’re on the franchise tag can attain a long-term deal. If one is not reached by that date, the 2 sides can’t negotiate till the top of the common season.
Higgins has sought an extension in every of the previous two offseasons. He requested a commerce in March however signed the franchise tag on June 17, 4 days after the workforce’s obligatory minicamp ended. When the Bengals began coaching camp, he mentioned he signed the tag when he did to concentrate on having the most effective season doable.
“I am right here, man,” Higgins mentioned July 24. “No ifs, ands or buts about it. I am right here and able to work.”
Bengals coach Zac Taylor mentioned Higgins tweaked his hamstring Sept. 5. Earlier within the day, earlier than the damage report got here out, Higgins mentioned he felt “superb” and “able to go” for the upcoming yr. Nonetheless, the damage was extra critical than he realized and compelled him to overlook the opener towards the Patriots, a 16-10 house defeat.
“I put together myself to exit right here and dominate, begin of Week 1,” Higgins advised ESPN on Thursday. “Sadly, 4 days earlier than the sport, I’ve a hamstring tweak that I did not assume was as unhealthy, so I made the feedback I did after [practice].
“I did not assume it was unhealthy till, clearly, I acquired it checked on the subsequent day. It was worse than what I believed.”
Bengals left guard Cordell Volson had sturdy reward for Higgins’ work ethic.
“The best way that he goes about his enterprise and goes to work, it is actually particular,” Volson mentioned. “And he is a extremely particular participant.”
Earlier within the week, Taylor mentioned Higgins might be evaluated day-to-day, along with his standing for Sunday’s sport towards the Kansas City Chiefs nonetheless not decided. Final season, Higgins missed three video games with a hamstring subject and injured the opposite hamstring within the regular-season finale towards the Cleveland Browns.
In his first 4 seasons within the league, Higgins has been one of many Bengals’ prime offensive gamers. Between 2020 and 2022, he was one among 15 gamers to amass 3,000 or extra receiving yards, in line with ESPN Analysis. Final season, the previous Clemson standout had 656 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in 12 video games.
On Thursday, Higgins advised ESPN that he needs to be at full power when he returns so he can present a most influence for Cincinnati’s offense.
“I wish to go on the market and provides my teammates 100% of Tee Higgins, what I am saying?” Higgins advised ESPN. “I do not wish to give them 50% and half-ass it simply to be a presence on the sector.”
