Cincinnati — Both rookie defensive end Kris Jenkins (thumb) and wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) will be sidelined for the Bengals’ game against the Chiefs on Sunday.
With the exception of wide receiver Marquise Brown, who was reported to be heading to injured reserve this week, Kansas City appears reasonably healthy.
View the remaining final injury report before the major road race:
TRIANGULAR: Higgins, Tanner Hudson (knee), Amarius Mims (pectoral).
OUT: Jenkins
As the Cincinnati Bengals prepare for their highly anticipated showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs, the team has released its final injury report, offering key insights into who will be available for the pivotal game. With both teams vying for playoff positioning, the health of the Bengals’ roster could play a major role in determining the outcome.
Key Players Questionable
One of the biggest concerns for Bengals fans is the status of star quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been dealing with a nagging calf injury since the preseason. Although Burrow has fought through the pain and continued to perform at a high level, his mobility has been limited, raising questions about how effective he’ll be against a fierce Chiefs defense. Burrow was listed as **questionable** on the final report, but head coach Zac Taylor expressed cautious optimism that he will play, saying, “Joe’s a competitor, and we expect him to be ready.”
Wide receiver Tee Higgins, another crucial piece of the Bengals’ offense, is also **questionable** with a rib injury. Higgins sustained the injury in last week’s game and has been limited in practice all week. His absence could leave a significant void in the Bengals’ passing attack, forcing the team to rely even more on Ja’Marr Chase and Tyler Boyd.
Meanwhile, the Bengals’ offensive line remains a concern, as starting left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. is also listed as **questionable** with a groin issue. Brown has been a key figure in protecting Burrow, and his presence will be critical against the Chiefs’ pass rush. Backup options have been practicing with the first-team offense, preparing for the possibility that Brown might not be able to go.
Defensive Worries
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Logan Wilson, who has been a consistent playmaker for the Bengals, is listed as **doubtful** with a shoulder injury. Wilson missed practice this week and is considered a long shot to suit up on Sunday. His absence could be a major blow to the Bengals’ ability to contain the Chiefs’ high-powered offense, especially with Patrick Mahomes’ ability to extend plays and find open receivers.
The Bengals’ secondary is also dealing with injuries, as cornerback Chidobe Awuzie is **questionable** due to a hamstring issue. Awuzie has been limited in practice, and his status will be a game-time decision. His absence could be particularly costly against the Chiefs, who will look to exploit any gaps in the Bengals’ pass defense.
Bright Spots
Despite the concerning injuries, there is some positive news for Cincinnati. Star running back Joe Mixon, who was dealing with a minor ankle sprain, was a full participant in practice and has been cleared to play. Mixon’s presence in the backfield will be crucial in balancing the Bengals’ offensive attack, particularly if Burrow’s mobility is limited.
Additionally, wide receiver Tyler Boyd, who has been nursing a minor toe injury, has been cleared and will play. Boyd’s versatility and ability to make big plays in clutch moments will be even more important if Higgins is unable to suit up.
Chiefs Prepared
The Kansas City Chiefs are also monitoring their own injury concerns, but reports suggest that the majority of their key players, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, are healthy and ready for the matchup. The Chiefs’ defense has been stout this season, and with the Bengals potentially shorthanded, Kansas City will look to capitalize on any weaknesses.
What’s at Stake
This matchup has significant implications for both teams. The Bengals, who have faced an up-and-down season, are looking to gain momentum in the AFC playoff race. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are once again eyeing the top seed in the conference, and a win over the Bengals would further solidify their dominance in the AFC.
The Bengals will need to overcome their injury concerns to compete with the Chiefs, but with Joe Burrow leading the charge, Cincinnati fans are hopeful their team can pull off another big win. The game will come down to whether the Bengals can protect their quarterback and limit the Chiefs’ explosive offense, both of which are made more challenging by their current injury situation.
Final Thoughts
As the Bengals gear up for this critical matchup, all eyes will be on the final pre-game warmups and injury reports. If key players like Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Orlando Brown Jr. are able to suit up, the Bengals will have a fighting chance to compete with the Chiefs. However, if injuries prove too much to overcome, it could be a long day for Cincinnati.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Bengals’ game-time decisions unfold, and fans hope for a last-minute boost to the team’s health ahead of this AFC showdown.
