Bengals without Higgins, Moss, Brown, and surprisingly Burton vs. Raiders

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) breaks up a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton (81) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) breaks up a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton (81) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

CINCINNATI — Tee Higgins and Orlando Brown Jr. are inactive, as had seemed likely for the Cincinnati Bengals’ 1 p.m. game today against the Las Vegas Raiders, but Jermaine Burton is a surprise healthy scratch during a week he received much praise from coaches and teammates.

The rookie third-round draft pick played a personal-high 24 snaps last week after Higgins was inactive because of a quad injury that surfaced Oct. 25. This week, both Zac Taylor and offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher noted how much Burton has progressed and said he would be getting more opportunities. Joe Burrow also spoke at length Wednesday about how much Burton could add to the offense.

The decision to not use Burton on Sunday is expected to be addressed after the game.

Wide receiver Higgins and offensive lineman Brown — who is dealing with a knee and fibula injury — were listed as doubtful and are also joined by two other injured players on the inactive list: Zack Moss and Charlie Jones. Running back Moss was downgraded from doubtful to out Sunday morning because of a neck issue, and kick returner/receiver Jones had a groin injury pop up on Thursday.

Tight end Tanner McLachlan and defensive tackle Jay Tufele, both healthy, also are inactive. Two players who were elevated from the practice squad Saturday, wide receiver Kendric Pryor and offensive tackle Devin Cochran, are active to help with depth with Higgins and Brown out. The team also signed halfback Kendall Milton to the active roster from the practice squad on Saturday with Moss injured.

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