Unfortunately, the Cincinnati Bengals will miss the postseason for the third consecutive season, despite another season marred by injuries to key players, including franchise quarterback Joe Burrow.
Burrow was sidelined in the second game of the season versus the Jacksonville Jaguars with an ankle injury.
Even though not having Burrow for most of the season has been a challenge in itself, that is not the sole reason why the Bengals will not be in the playoffs; they continue to have issues with crafting together a good defense or building an offensive line that is good enough to protect, no matter who is under center.
Wide receiver Tee Higgins has also been in and out of the lineup with concussions, suffering one in Week 12 against the New England Patriots and one in Week 14 against another fellow AFC East team, the Buffalo Bills.
Higgins missed last week's matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, and it was clear his absence was felt, considering that the Bengals are at their best when both Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase are available, with many believing both guys can be number one options.
Drama is another element of the season, not going the way the Bengals wanted it to last week. This week, Burrow has left room for many to interpret that he may want out of Cincy in the near future; however, some of that negative discourse could be put to rest by the good news that Higgins is likely to return to action this Sunday when the team faces the Miami Dolphins, who will be starting a rookie quarterback in Quinn Ewers after benching Tua Tagovailoa.
If Burrow and the rest of the offense can click and finish out the season, winning their next three games starting with Miami, it could give the Bengals a sense of hope heading into an offseason where they may have to make some significant decisions for the future of the organization.
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- Adam Schefter says teams are 'taking notice' of Joe Burrow's recent comments
- Bengals predicted to find Trey Hendrickson replacement in 2026
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