Higgins returning to practice is massive news for himself, quarterback Joe Burrow, and the offense as a whole. Between offseason contract disputes and a hamstring injury that’s sidelined Higgins to this point, it’s been a rocky few months. But the focus shifts to on-field impact as Higgins nears a return and intends to play out the season after signing the franchise tag in June.

In Higgins’s absence, two role players in Cincinnati’s passing attack were thrust into larger roles. Second-year receiver Andrei Iosivas has been on the field for most of the offense’s snaps and earned 10 targets over the first two games of the season. In addition, Mike Gesicki, an offseason addition to the roster, has taken advantage of Higgins missing time. He currently leads the team in receiving yards. Whether it be this week or sometime soon, once Higgins returns to the lineup, he’ll assume a prominent role in their passing attack. Iosivas and Gesicki figure to be demoted to lesser roles in due time.