Higgins missed Cincy’s first two contests – both losses – due to a hamstring injury. Since returning, he has rushed for 341 yards and three touchdowns on 29 receptions.

But it’s not just his individual performance that has helped the Bengals get back to just under .500 after an 0-3 start. His presence also helped unlock Ja’Marr Chase, who averaged 9.7 yards per catch (10 for 97) with no points in two games without Higgins this season. Since Week 3, Chase has averaged 18.0 yards per reception (29 for 523) and six touchdown catches alongside his fellow star wideout.

Cincinnati has also averaged 28.6 points per game during that span, compared to just 17.5 in the first two weeks. While some of this is down to him being able to shake off the cobwebs at the start of the season, what’s notable is that Higgins was there, leading the team with 45 goals since his return to the field.

His recent absence deprives Joe Burrow of a trusty pass catcher and Chase of a welcome distraction for opposing defenses.

Andrei Iosivas and Trenton Irwin should get bigger roles again, and perhaps third-round rookie Jermaine Burton can handle more action than he’s used to in a quiet start to his NFL career.

To increase the team’s winning streak to three and continue to advance to the playoffs, Burrow will have to rely on Chase and his strong players against the Eagles’ top-10 defense.

Cincinnati and Philadelphia begin at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.