Bengals WR Tee Higgins (concussion) set to play vs. Bills - ESPN

CINCINNATI — One of the Bengals' best offensive players will be back this weekend.

Wide receiver Tee Higgins has cleared the concussion protocol and will be fully available for Cincinnati's road game against the Buffalo Bills, he said Friday.

Higgins has been out since he suffered a concussion in the team's Week 12 loss against New England on Nov. 23. After clearing that hurdle Friday, Higgins is eager to suit up again — especially with Ja'Marr Chase and quarterback Joe Burrow.

«It's been a minute, man,» Higgins said. «I'm definitely looking forward to it. It's going to be great.»

Higgins acknowledged how scary the injury has been. Against the Patriots, Higgins went up for a deep pass down the right sideline. Higgins' head smacked against the turf at Paycor Stadium as he was unable to make the catch. He was on the turf for several minutes before being carted back into the locker room.

«Any head injury is scary for anybody,» Higgins said. «Thank God I'm able to play again this weekend and keep playing for the rest of the season.»

The sixth-year player out of Clemson ramped up his progression over the course of the week. He was a limited participant Wednesday before having a full slate of practice reps Thursday. Higgins detailed the protocol process as he worked his way back.

«It was just getting through concussion protocol, seeing how I'm feeling with working out, running routes and things like that,» Higgins said. «So it's basically all just on me, see how I'm feeling and then passing those tests as well.»

After Friday's practice at the team's indoor bubble, Higgins said he felt great.

He'll give the Bengals (4-8) a boost ahead of Sunday's critical showdown against Buffalo (8-4). Cincinnati is currently two games back of