Christian Gonzalez

With Ja'Marr Chase (suspension) out for the game, Higgins saw a healthy dose of Patriots' top cornerback Christian Gonzalez. That kept Higgins from being a major part of the offense, and then the 26-year-old wide receiver suffered a scary head injury when he slammed his head into the turf while trying to make a one-handed catch. With the Bengals playing on Thursday against the Ravens, it might be a long shot for Higgins to be ready for that one.

Challenged to show up against the run, Gonzalez has been everything Patriots coaches could ask.