Cincinnati Bengals wideout Tee Higgins missed Week 13 due to a concussion, but had cleared league protocol and was deemed to return in Week 14. Despite taking some big hits and smacking his head on the ground during the game, Higgins made it through the team’s fourth-quarter loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
But a day later, Higgins is now once again in the concussion protocol, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Bengals WR Tee Higgins is re-entering concussion protocol.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 8, 2025
Higgins was involved in at least two plays where he appeared to slam his head on the ground while being taken down. The first came fairly early in the contest, as Higgins jumped to try and make a one-handed catch on a sideline ball. Higgins was able to tip the ball, but couldn’t come up with the catch. As he fell to the ground, Higgins’ head snapped back and whipped off the grass.
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He entered the blue medical tent on the sideline following the hit, but was able to return to the game.
Later, however, Higgins once again smacked his head off the ground while being tackled after a catch. This time around, Higgins sat up and immediately put his hands to his head, a sign he was in pain.
Tee Higgins continued after this… for the remainder of the game.
This is a MASSIVE issue that needs to get investigated. pic.twitter.com/dkmdJ312wn
— 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝘿𝙚𝙇𝙖𝙪𝙨 (@TheThomasDeLaus) December 8, 2025
Despite both hits, Higgins was allowed to keep playing. After the game, Higgins was asked about remaining in the game after both hits. He responded by saying he’s «a soldier» who can take hits.
“I’m a soldier, soldiers take hits. It happens. It’s football. It’s the name of the game. Just gotta get up, next play mentality.” Tee Higgins on his day and returning from concussion, and landing hard again. pic.twitter.com/5ZQvhU7EQB
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) December 7, 2025
While Higgins didn’t appear to be dealing with any side effects from the hits during that interview, that changed later in the day. Higgins later reported concussion-like symptoms, leading to the wideout once again being placed in the league’s concussion protocol.
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Higgins finished Week 14 with six catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns in the 39-34 loss to the Bills.
Given the proximity of both brain injuries, Higgins is likely to miss time, if not the rest of the season due to the injury. With their loss in Week 14, the Bengals now sit at 4-9 on the year. Cincinnati hasn’t been eliminated just yet, but the team would need a lot to go right down the stretch to secure a playoff spot. With little to play for, the Bengals may opt to let Higgins rest up so he can be fully healthy entering next season.
