(Update: The Bengals ruled out Tee Higgins for NFL Week 15)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is back in the NFL’s concussion protocol after experiencing symptoms following Sunday’s game, despite clearing two in-game evaluations and returning to the field both times.
Higgins, who suffered a concussion in Week 12 and missed Week 13, hit his head twice during Sunday’s matchup. According to Pro Football Doc Dr. David Chao, the Bengals’ medical staff and the on-field independent neurologist acted appropriately by removing Higgins for evaluation each time. Chao noted the way Higgins struck the back of his head and reacted on the field made it appear unlikely he would return, but he ultimately cleared the tests administered during the game.
“It would’ve been wrong if he wasn’t checked,” Chao said, emphasizing that Higgins underwent two evaluations and must have passed to be allowed back in. He added that players who recently cleared protocol are often examined with additional caution.
Higgins finished the game, but as Chao predicted, he was evaluated again afterward and on Monday. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed that Higgins began experiencing symptoms following the game, prompting his return to the league’s concussion protocol.
If Higgins is determined to have suffered a second concussion — rather than being held out solely out of caution — Chao warns the wide receiver would likely miss the remainder of the season. "If he’s now in the protocol because they determined he truly had another concussion—not just an abundance-of-caution situation—then he’s done for the season."
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