They didn't have Joe Burrow for nine games after he suffered a grade 3 turf toe injury that required surgery. The Bengals went 1-8 without Burrow, but they still have a chance at making the playoffs for the first time since 2022. Would the 28-year-old have signed up for this scenario when he underwent surgery on Sept. 19?

The Cincinnati Bengals will have the trio of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins available to play together for the first time since Week 2.

The path to the AFC North remains open for the Bengals after Sunday's results.

CINCINNATI — Ted Karras and the rising Bengals offensive line are hungry for their latest chance to flip the script this season. Karras noted the team is in a good spot to make one last run at AFC North contention, but they have to pair up good performances better than they did after the Steelers' home win.

The Bengals now have a 6% chance at making the playoffs according to The Athletic's Playoff Simulator. They were down to 1% this time last week following their loss to the New England Patriots. Jumping about 5% reflects how important defeating Baltimore was for their slim hopes.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins cleared concussion protocol and will play against the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 7. Higgins missed the Bengals’ Week 13 win over the Baltimore Ravens after suffering a head injury on Nov.

That uptick in status is the best possible sign the Bengals could deliver before they dish out the final Week 14 injury report on Friday. RELATED: Bengals' slim playoff chances ge

"Just seeing how he studies, picking his brain on certain things, having that communication, just knowing what helps each of us, what we need from each other to make each other better." Thompson and the Bills defense has played some of its best football this season against AFC opponents.