The Cincinnati Bengals are optimistic about the return of rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart while facing uncertainty regarding wide receiver Tee Higgins as they prepare for their crucial game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 3, 2023. Stewart participated in practice for the first time since sustaining a knee injury on November 2 during a game against the Chicago Bears. The team is hopeful he will be activated from injured reserve in time for Sunday’s matchup.
Stewart, who has missed the last four games and a total of eight this season, was listed as a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. He expressed confidence about playing this week, stating, “Playing four games in a row is going to be a big, big confidence booster.” The rookie defensive end emphasized the mental toll that injuries have taken on him, noting that he had not missed a game in college. “Coming in here and missing 10 weeks is just hard on the mental,” he added.
In contrast, Higgins is currently in the concussion protocol after experiencing his second concussion in three games. He initially suffered a concussion during the Bengals’ loss to the New England Patriots on November 23 when he fell and hit the back of his head on the turf. After missing the Thanksgiving night game against Baltimore, he returned to play against the Buffalo Bills, only to suffer another head injury in a similar manner.
Despite being cleared to return by the league’s independent neurologist during the Buffalo game, Higgins reported symptoms later that evening and again the following morning, leading to his re-entry into the protocol. A joint statement from the NFL and the NFL Players Association clarified the situation: “Tee Higgins was evaluated twice in game and cleared to return. After the game, in discussion with club medical personnel as part of a postgame evaluation, he notified the team he was experiencing symptoms and was immediately placed in the concussion protocol.”
Higgins will need to complete a full, non-contact practice before receiving clearance from an independent neurologist later this week to be eligible for the Ravens game. The stakes are high for the Bengals, who currently hold a record of 4-9. A loss could eliminate them from playoff contention, especially if the Pittsburgh Steelers secure a win against the Miami Dolphins.
The Bengals are keen to reintegrate Stewart into their lineup, given the absence of star defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who is out for the season. Stewart’s absence from offseason activities and the early part of training camp due to a contract dispute, combined with his ankle and knee injuries, has limited his practice time significantly. Coach Zac Taylor emphasized the team’s expectations for Stewart, stating, “We’ve got high expectations for him, and he’s worked really hard to meet those and has done everything he can do.”
Taylor acknowledged the unfortunate setbacks Stewart has faced due to injuries, highlighting that they are beyond his control. He added, “I don’t think there’s a pressure to see anything from him in the next four weeks. We’ll see how he feels as practice goes this week.” The Bengals aim to help Stewart gain as much experience as possible as the season approaches its conclusion.
As both players navigate their respective challenges, the Bengals remain focused on securing a win against the Ravens, which could be pivotal for their dwindling postseason hopes.
