When it rains, it pours, and Cincinnati might be feeling a literal downpour. Just hours before their Week 8 face-off with Philly, all eyes are on WR Tee Higgins and his frustrating injury. 

NFL insider Jordan Schultz dropped the news on X: Higgins is facing an “uphill battle” to suit up against the Eagles—due to a nagging quad injury. Schultz hinted that the Bengals will make a final decision within the hour. “The team will make a final decision in the next hour. But #Bengals WR Tee Higgins has an “uphill battle” to play today vs the Eagles due to his quad injury, per source,” the tweet read. 

The CFP national champ was riding a serious hot streak. But then Friday happened. Three straight games with over 75 yards? Check. An 83-yard, two-TD performance against Baltimore? Absolutely. And then, just like that, the injury bug bit. His sudden exit from practice put another layer of turbulence on an already inconsistent team. 

ESPN’s Dan Graziano poured gasoline on the flames. His sources painted an even bleaker picture—hinting that Higgins’ chances of playing were slipping away. Cincinnati’s coaching staff is pushing this decision to the final second. But the whispers suggest fans might have to stomach the bad news. 

HC Zac Taylor did his best to lighten the mood. He announced that other key players—like Orlando Brown Jr. and Geno Stone—are good to go. Brown, especially, is a crucial piece of the puzzle with his top-tier pass-blocking skills. But let’s be real—WR Higgins’ status is the storyline everyone’s clinging to. Without him, the Bengals are staring down a serious challenge against Philly’s defense, which isn’t known for taking prisoners.

Now, fantasy football managers are in panic mode. Do you roll the dice on Tee Higgins and pray for a late activation, or do you bench him to avoid heartbreak? 

Tee Higgins’ quad injury turns week 8 into a fantasy wildcard

Fantasy managers, take a deep breath—Higgins might just be the ultimate gamble this week.

Having sustained a quad injury that forced him off the practice field Friday, there’s some serious “pessimism” swirling around his Week 8 status, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano.

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The 25-year-old’s been a pivotal weapon for Cincy, catching fire after missing the season’s first two games (thanks to a nagging hamstring). His 29 catches on 45 targets have racked up 341 yards and three TDs—averaging 68.2 yards a game. But with Cincy delaying the call until kickoff, it’s a risky boom-or-bust play.

If the Clemson product can’t go, look for rookie Andrei Iosivas to step up. He could snag some extra looks if Higgins sits out—a small silver lining for fantasy managers hunting for a quick pivot.

Keep your eyes glued to more updates. A late call could make all the difference in your lineup!