The Bengals had a slow start to the new NFL season, and it didn't help that they were missing one of their best weapons.
Tee Higgins was on the sidelines in Week 1 with an injury. Cincinnati fell 16-10 to the Patriots, and it now faces a tougher challenge in Week 2 with a matchup against the Chiefs.
Because Higgins' absence is such a hit to Joe Burrow's weapons, getting him back on the field has become a big early-season storyline. However, there's been some fans questioning whether Higgins is truly injured, or if he simply wants a new extension like teammate Ja'Marr Chase.
Here are the details to know about Higgins' injury situation and if it's connected to his contract desires.
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Is Tee Higgins faking his injury?
Higgins is not faking his injury, and the Bengals coaching staff and the wide receiver himself have clarified that.
Days before the season opener, Higgins reportedly injured his hamstring in practice and has been on the sidelines since. He recently told ESPN he's eager to be back on the field, and he struck down any rumors of him faking the injury.
"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."
The deadline for players on a franchise tag to reach a long-term extension agreement was July 15, which Higgins was referring to. He can't negotiate a new deal again until the end of the current season.
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Before Week 1, Higgins said he was feeling "amazing" despite the injury reports, which he also explained to ESPN.
"Unfortunately, four days before the game, I have a hamstring tweak that I didn't think was as bad, so I made the comments I did after [practice]," Higgins said. "I didn't think it was bad until, obviously, I got it checked on the next day. It was worse than what I thought."
Higgins has faced hamstring injuries in the past, and he missed five games last season. His status for Week 2 vs. Kansas City hasn't yet been determined.
There wouldn't be an incentive for Higgins to hold out from playing in hopes of an extension. Because he's on the franchise tag, a new deal isn't currently a possibility. However, Higgins has been seeking an extension from the Bengals for some time.
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Tee Higgins contract details
Higgins is currently playing on the one-year franchise tag. Spotrac has his 2024 cap hit listed at around $21.8 million.
In the last two offseasons, Higgins has pursued an extension from Cincinnati but hasn't yet gotten one. He also requested a trade from the Bengals in March after being tagged, but the team did not grant the request. Higgins later signed the one-year deal.
In 2023, Higgins finished with 656 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 12 games. His long-term future in Cincinnati is in significant question — the Bengals are already dealing with Chase's contract situation as well.
Higgins can't negotiate a new deal until after this season, and he will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason.