Tahj Brooks

This is purely a formality after Higgins was ruled out on Monday, although the team does get both quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase back. also inactive for the Bengals are QB Jake Browning, RB Tahj Brooks, WR Jermaine Burton, TE Cam Grandy, DE Trey Hendrickson, and DE Cam Sample.

No surprise that a player in protocol will miss a short-week game. Brooks' absence will leave the Bengals with little behind Chase Brown unless Samaje Perine is able to return from a high-ankle sprain on Thursday. Gary Brightwell, a special teamer, is the only other back on the roster. Kendall Milton is hanging out on the practice squad. Don't be surprised to see Bengals RB workouts ahead of Thursday's game. Trey Hendrickson (hip) was also ruled out for Thursday, as usual.

Brooks was getting a chance to play more with Semaje Perine (ankle) inactive on Sunday. Unfortunately, Brooks suffered an injury of his own and is now being evaluated for a possible concussion. If he's unable to return, that would mean Chase Brown would see almost all of the running back snaps the rest of the way.

Perine suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 9 and has not practiced since. Tahj Brooks has assumed backup duties, but the Bengals went back to last year's "All Chase Brown All The Time" plan in Week 9. We'll see if they have any more faith in Brooks in Week 11 after their bye.