Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow performs better when either Tee Higgins or Ja'Marr Chase is out, rather than when both top receivers are active.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins told reporters there was “no way” he could have played against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13, even if the game had been on Sunday instead of Thanksgiving night. While nothing is official yet, the prognosis for the rematch this Sunday appears similar, as Higgins reported concussion symptoms after the loss to Buffalo and required independent neurologist evaluations after hitting his head on the turf twice.
The Bengals listed Higgins as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Recovery time is typically longer after a second concussion within days.
Losing Higgins—who leads the team with nine touchdowns this season and sits fourth in the league with 19 total since the start of 2024—would be a significant blow to Cincinnati’s offense. Yet Burrow and the Bengals have shown they can cope with such absences.
Since Ja’Marr Chase joined the team in 2021, Burrow has started 13 games without either Higgins or Chase. In those games, his numbers are actually stronger than when both receivers are healthy.
In the 13 games without one of his top targets, Burrow has completed 323 of 468 passes for 3,496 yards, with 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions. His completion rate in those games is 69.0%, yards per attempt are 7.5, and his passer rating sits at 105.9.
By comparison, in 51 games with both Chase and Higgins, Burrow is 1,227 of 1,799 for 13,529 yards, with 104 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. His completion percentage is 68.5%, yards per attempt 7.5, and passer rating 101.9.
The difference isn’t dramatic, but it’s notable that Burrow has produced solid, sometimes elite numbers even when one of his two big targets is missing, underscoring his adaptability and the team’s depth.
For context, here’s a look at specific games where the healthy receiver played without the other top target, including opponent quality and Burrow’s performance:
No Chase
- Week 8, 2022 — Browns 32, Bengals 13: Burrow 25 of 35 for 232 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT. Higgins: 3 receptions, 49 yards, TD.
- Week 9, 2022 — Bengals 42, Panthers 21: Burrow 22 of 28 for 206 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT. Higgins: 7 receptions, 60 yards.
- Week 10, 2022 — Bengals 37, Steelers 30: Burrow 24 of 39 for 355 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs. Higgins: 9 receptions, 148 yards.
- Week 11, 2022 — Bengals 20, Titans 16: Burrow 22 of 37 for 270 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT. Higgins: 7 receptions, 114 yards, TD.
No Higgins
- Week 3, 2021 — Bengals 24, Steelers 10: Burrow 14 of 18 for 172 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT. Chase: 4 receptions, 65 yards, 2 TDs.
- Week 4, 2021 — Bengals 24, Jaguars 21: Burrow 25 of 32 for 348 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT. Chase: 6 receptions, 77 yards.
- Week 5, 2023 — Bengals 34, Cardinals 20: Burrow 36 of 46 for 317 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT. Chase: 15 receptions, 192 yards, 3 TDs.
- Week 1, 2024 — Patriots 16, Bengals 10: Burrow 21 of 29 for 164 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT. Chase: 6 receptions, 62 yards.
- Week 2, 2024 — Chiefs 26, Bengals 25: Burrow 23 of 26 for 258 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT. Chase: 4 receptions, 35 yards.
- Week 8, 2024 — Eagles 37, Bengals 17: Burrow 26 of 37 for 234 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. Chase: 9 receptions, 54 yards, 1 TD.
- Week 9, 2024 — Bengals 41, Raiders 24: Burrow 27 of 39 for 251 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT. Chase: 7 receptions, 43 yards.
- Week 10, 2024 — Ravens 35, Bengals 34: Burrow 34 of 56 for 428 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INT. Chase: 11 receptions, 264 yards, 3 TDs.
- Week 12, 2025 — Bengals 32, Ravens 14: Burrow 24 of 46 for 261 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT. Chase: 7 receptions, 110 yards.
Overall, Burrow’s production remains resilient when his top wideouts aren’t on the field, highlighting his efficiency, decision-making, and the Bengals’ system-wide depth. This dynamic will be especially tested if Higgins cannot play in the rematch with Baltimore, but it also reinforces the broader narrative: Burrow can still execute at a high level even without one of his elite receivers on game day.
