Is Tee Higgins playing today? Latest injury update on Bengals star WR

The Cincinnati Bengals are playing for their playoff lives once again in a Week 17 matchup against the Denver Broncos, and they're hoping to have wide receiver Tee Higgins on the field when the two teams kick off on Saturday.

Higgins was listed on the injury report with both knee and ankle issues this week and only logged three limited practices before drawing a questionable tag for the crucial Week 17 contest.

However, a report from an NFL insider early Saturday breeds optimism that the star wide receiver will be able to give it a go. Here's the latest injury update on Higgins ahead of the Broncos game.

Tee Higgins injury update

Higgins had just a knee issue last week, so the ankle injury is a new one. That said, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Higgins improved as the week progressed and there is optimism he can play on Saturday.

"Bengals WR Tee Higgins (questionable, ankle/knee) improved every day in practice and there's optimism he can play Sat. vs. Broncos, barring new development, per sources," Fowler wrote.

The Bengals have been managing Higgins' practice reps this season, so him playing off three limited practices is a common occurrence.

Is Tee Higgins playing today?

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Higgins is expected to suit up against Denver in a do-or-die matchup for Cincinnati.

"With the Bengals season on the line, they are expected to have WR Tee Higgins on the field against the Broncos, sources say," Rapoport reported on Saturday. "He’s questionable with ankle and knee issues."

Fantasy Football start or sit Week 17: Tee Higgins

The Broncos will present a challenge for Bengals pass-catchers, as their defense is giving up the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season.

But Higgins is someone who is a borderline must start every week with his ability to produce big numbers, and Cincinnati might be forced to lean on him a bit more this week if Ja'Marr Chase draws consistent coverage from Patrick Surtain.

Consider Higgins a borderline WR2 play in Week 17.

Verdict: Start Tee Higgins

MORE CINCINNATI BENGALS NEWS

Bengals vs. Broncos final Week 17 injury report

Bengals' updated playoff chances going into Week 17