The Bengals kept their playoff hopes alive. Their victory over the Broncos in week 17 proved to be fuel for the race. QB Joe Burrow is excited, too, but some reports amid the new vibe are working as mood spoilers. Burrow has cleared his stances on the Bengals’ situation quite a few times now. But this time, his message carries extra weight.

Questions continue to swirl about the future of star receiver Tee Higgins. And Burrow has now said that the Bengals can’t keep letting great players walk out the door. When asked about the possibility of playing his last game with Higgins, Burrow said, “It’s obviously a possibility, not one that I’m excited about, but that’s not in the plans.” He echoed growing frustration among fans, especially as Cincinnati faces another offseason of tough decisions.

Burrow’s frustration doesn’t only hinge on the Higgins situation. He’s watched talented teammates like Jessie Bates III and D.J. Reader leave for bigger paydays elsewhere. “You don’t want to make a living out of letting great players leave the building. And I think that’s why you got to do everything you can to get those deals done early,” he told reporters. His comments are a direct message to the Bengals’ front office. A front office that hasn’t secured long-term deals for either Higgins or Ja’Marr Chase. Higgins, on the other hand, has made his stances clear.

Higgins, currently on a franchise tag worth $21.8 million, has made his priorities clear. According to CBS Sports‘ Aditi Kinkhabwala, Higgins said, “I’m playing with, if not the best, one of the best, QBs. I’m playing with, if not the best, one of the best, WRs. That opens up things for me. In this offense, everyone has a chance to be spotlighted.” His willingness to take less money is a rarity. Moreover, it could be the key to keeping Cincinnati’s offense intact.

As Burrow and Higgins focus on the Steelers this weekend, their uncertain futures loom large. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor also voiced his desire to keep the duo. “We know what we’ve got with those guys on the field,” Taylor said. “And we want them here.” However, the Bengals’ playoff hopes face another hurdle: injuries.

Injuries and crucial decisions ahead

This week, Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins had limited participation in practice. And this raised obvious questions about their readiness for Saturday’s must-win game. Higgins, despite an ankle and knee issue, remains a top target. He has now got a tally of 858 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, stats any opponent would be wary of.

Key contributors like Chase Brown and Sam Hubbard also missed practice, adding to the team’s challenges. Sitting at a 9-7 record, the Bengals’ path to the playoffs is narrow. And every snap is critical now. On the other hand, Burrow and Higgins’ chemistry is undeniable.

Higgins’s three-touchdown performance in week 17 was a reminder of what this duo can accomplish. Higgins admitted, “I hope not, but that could have been my last game in the stripes here.” He further added, “This game, it meant a lot more to me coming into it. Definitely a surreal feeling.” Burrow’s comments and Higgins’s unselfish mindset highlight a broader issue for Cincinnati. Can the Bengals afford to lock in their stars while maintaining a competitive roster?

Joe Burrow’s record-setting extension proved the team can step up, but questions remain about their long-term strategy. The Bengals’ front office faces a tough offseason. With Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins, and Burrow, Cincinnati has the makings of a dynasty. But without decisive action, this core could unravel.