TeeHiggins

News: 4 days agoHiggins (heel) didn't take part in practice Wednesday, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Spin: On Tuesday, coach Zac Taylor relayed to Baby that Higgins was dealing with a bruised heel, but the issue wasn't a major concern. Having said that, Higgins didn't log any activity one day later, so his status, along with that of fellow DNP WR Ja'Marr Chase (knee), will be monitored closely as Week 1 inches closer. The Bengals take on the Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 13, meaning Higgins' first official practice reps of the campaign will be possible next Wednesday.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Higgins may be overshadowed by teammate Ja'Marr Chase, but that hasn't stopped the veteran receiver from playing a key role near the goal line in the Bengals' pass-friendly offense. Despite missing seven games over the past two seasons, Higgins sits eighth among receivers in end zone targets (24) and fourth in touchdowns (21) during the span. The 2020 second-round pick finished both seasons in the top 20 in fantasy points (overall and per game). Durability (he hasn't played a full season since 2020) and a limited target share are concerns here, but Higgins' combination of talent and role in a Joe Burrow-led offense are enough to allow fringe-WR2 production.