Patriots have a real shot of shocking the Bengals after Tee Higgins injury update

The New England Patriots are heading into a Week 1 showdown against a familiar face who never actually played for the team. For many weeks during the offseason Tee Higgins' name was connected to the Patriots but nothing ultimately happened as the 25-year-old wideout returned to the Cincinnati Bengals on a one-year deal.

While Higgins was unable to strike a long-term contract with the Bengals he still plays a pivotal role on the team. If Cincy is going to make another run at the Super Bowl the team is going to need to lean on its explosive offense led by Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Chase has his own things going on as he is also trying to get a new contract from the Bengals. His status for Week 1 is still up in the air but even if he plays it will likely be on a snap count, which is good for the Patriots.

In addition to Chase's up-in-the-air status, Higgins' status for Week 1 is also now up in the air. Higgins tweaked his hamstring in practice on Thursday and when asked about his Week 1 status, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor did not display much confidence. Higgins was officially listed as doubtful in the team's final injury report on Friday.

Patriots could shock the world and beat a battered Bengals team

There is a world in which Higgins does not suit up on Sunday and Ja'Marr Chase also sits out because of his contract situation. Even if Chase plays, him being on a snap count is going to significantly limit what the Bengals are able to do.

As great as Cincinnati is at full strength, this is a much different team without Chase and Higgins. The wide receiver room below them is as unproven as the Patriots'. The running game, led by Zack Moss, should be better than last year but is not enough to carry a team to a win. Not to mention this is Joe Burrow's first full game back from injury, which will have an impact.

The Bengals no longer have the dynamic defense that led the team to a Super Bowl (ranking 21st in the league in points allowed last season) and without the team's two best offensive weapons, it is hard to see a path to victory.

Fortunately for the Bengals, the Patriots are not the most daunting opponent, especially with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback and a bad offensive line in front of him. However, with a stout defense and a run game that can bleed the clock, the Patriots absolutely can keep themselves in the game against a battered Bengals team.

From there, all it will take is the Patriots making one key play in a big spot and the outcome of the entire game can be shifted.

If the Pats are going to win games in 2024 then they are going to have to win ugly. Without Higgins and Chase, this Week 1 matchup has all the makings of being the ugliest game of the week.