The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals are preparing for a crucial AFC North battle on Thursday night, but both teams will be without valuable weapons in their passing attacks. The Ravens have ruled out promising young tight end Isaiah Likely, while the Bengals listed star wide receiver Tee Higgins as doubtful.
Likely’s Absence Leaves Void for Ravens
Isaiah Likely, the Ravens’ second-round draft pick out of Coastal Carolina, has emerged as a reliable target for quarterback Lamar Jackson this season. The rookie tight end ranks fifth on the team with 24 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns. However, a hamstring injury will sideline him for this pivotal matchup.
Likely’s absence leaves the Ravens without their No. 2 tight end behind Mark Andrews. According to a team source, Josh Oliver and Charlie Kolar are expected to see increased snaps in Likely’s place. While both are capable blockers, neither possesses Likely’s athleticism and receiving prowess.
Higgins Likely Out Again for Bengals
The Bengals, meanwhile, are preparing to be without Tee Higgins for a third straight game. The third-year wideout, who forms a dynamic duo with Ja’Marr Chase, has been dealing with a nagging quadriceps injury. Higgins did not practice all week and is officially listed as doubtful.
Tee is doing everything he can to get back out there, but we have to make a smart decision for him and the team. If he’s not ready, we have confidence in our other guys to step up.
– A Bengals coach, speaking on condition of anonymity
In Higgins’ absence, Tyler Boyd and Trenton Irwin are likely to see more targets from quarterback Joe Burrow. Higgins had been a thorn in the Ravens’ side recently, totaling 17 catches for 172 yards and four touchdowns in their last two meetings.
Rivalry Renewed on Thursday Night
The Ravens (6-3) and Bengals (4-5) are no strangers to hard-fought battles, and this Thursday night clash promises to be no different. Baltimore squeaked out a 41-38 overtime victory when these teams met just a month ago. The winner of this game will have a significant leg up in the AFC North race.
While the losses of Likely and Higgins are significant, both the Ravens and Bengals have proven they can find ways to move the ball without key contributors. Lamar Jackson’s unique skills and Joe Burrow’s poise and precision passing always make these matchups must-see TV.
- The Ravens lead the all-time series 28-25, including a 19-13 mark in Cincinnati.
- Lamar Jackson has a 6-3 career record vs. the Bengals, accounting for 18 total touchdowns.
- Joe Burrow threw for over 400 yards in each of the last two meetings between these teams.
No matter who suits up Thursday night, expect another hard-hitting, high-stakes affair between these AFC North rivals. With playoff positioning on the line, neither team can afford a slipup. The absences of Isaiah Likely and Tee Higgins add intrigue to what promises to be a fascinating chess match between two of the game’s brightest young quarterbacks and head coaches.
