Receives tender from Cleveland

The Browns extended a tender to Higgins on Friday, Andrew Gribble of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: It's unclear which of the tenders (first-, second- or original-round) was given to Higgins, but the Browns will have the right to match any offer that he receives as a restricted free agent. He fared well working with Baker Mayfield for most of the 2018 season, when he gathered in 39 of his 53 targets for 572 yards and four touchdowns. Such production should help Higgins cultivate interest on the open market.

Expected to stick with Cleveland

General manager John Dorsey indicated he will place a contract tender on Higgins before the receiver can hit free agency this offseason, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Analysis: While Dorsey didn't say which level of tender he will place upon Higgins, the point is that Higgins isn't going anywhere in 2019. The wideout should remain the team's fourth receiving option behind Jarvis Landry, Antonio Callaway and tight end David Njoku.

Wants to stay with Browns

Higgins, an impending restricted free agent, said he wants to stay in Cleveland long term, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: The 2016 fifth-round pick took a big step forward alongside Baker Mayfield this past season, notching career-high marks for catches (39), targets (53), yards (573) and touchdowns (four) as well as yards per reception (14.7) and yards per target (10.8). Higgins did his damage in just 13 games, with his workload peaking over the final two weeks of the season (86 snaps, 13 targets, 10 catches). It will be interesting to see how the Browns approach the wideout position this offseason, considering…read more

Finishes campaign strong

Higgins caught four of six targets for 86 yards during Sunday's 26-24 loss to the Ravens.

Analysis: Higgins put together the best season of his young career in 2018, posting career bests in receptions, yards and touchdowns despite sitting out three games. He finished fifth on the team with 39 receptions and is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason. The Browns will want to place as many offensive weapons around Baker Mayfield as possible, so it will be interesting to see what the team does with Higgins in terms of tendering him.

Scores in division win

Higgins caught six of seven targets for 60 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 26-18 win over the Bengals.

Analysis: Higgins extended Cleveland's lead to three scores late in the third quarter when he took a pass over the middle and stiff-armed his way to a 17-yard touchdown. The game marked a season high for catches for Higgins, who had topped 30 yards in a game just once in his previous six games. He has been relatively effective as a scoring target, with four touchdowns in his last eight games. The season concludes next Sunday against a top five Ravens pass defense.

Sees three targets

Higgins recorded two catches on three targets for 30 yards during Sunday's 17-16 win over the Broncos.

Analysis: Higgins surpassed his career high in catches in the second quarter when he came down with a pass from Baker Mayfield. The third-year wideout has a reception in every game he's played in this season and has turned into a reliable depth option for the Browns.

Two catches in win

Higgins caught two of three targets for 19 yards during Sunday's 26-20 win over the Panthers. He also lost a fumble.

Analysis: Higgins played exactly half of Cleveland's offensive snaps, though his involvement remained limited. His longest catch of the day went for a 15-yard gain when Baker Mayfield found him open in the second quarter. Higgins has three touchdowns over his last six games, though Saturday's game against the Broncos will prove a tough matchup for the third-year wideout.

Scores third TD of season

Higgins caught each of his four targets for 62 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 29-13 loss to the Texans.

Analysis: Higgins played 33 of 57 snaps (58 percent) on offense, essentially splitting the No. 3 receiver role with Breshad Perriman, who caught two of six targets for 26 yards across 26 snaps (46 percent). Neither player poses much of a threat to Jarvis Landry or Antonio Callaway heading into a favorable Week 14 matchup with the downtrodden Carolina defense.

One catch in victory

Higgins caught one of three targets for 24 yards during Sunday's 35-20 win over the Bengals.

Analysis: Higgins played just 20 offensive snaps Sunday, as Breshad Perriman seems to have jumped over him on the depth chart. The third-year wideout from Colorado State has been productive when he healthy, though he has just two catches over the past three weeks due to his decrease in playing time.

Reels in touchdown pass

Higgins caught a 28-yard touchdown pass with his lone target during Sunday's 28-16 win over Atlanta.

Analysis: Higgins put the Browns on the board in the closing minutes of the first quarter, running a deep post and skying for a 28-yard touchdown. Higgins has missed time with a knee injury this season but has scored twice in his last three outings. Sunday showed some improvement in Cleveland's offense under new coordinator Freddie Kitchens and, in an offense without much in the way of proven targets, Higgins figures to benefit. Following the bye, the Browns take on the Bengals' bottom-rated pass defense…read more

Plays 29 snaps against Chiefs

Higgins played 29 of 75 offensive snaps (39 percent) and caught three of four targets for 19 yards during Sunday's 37-21 loss to the Chiefs.

Analysis: Higgins made his return after a three-game absence with an MCL sprain, though it appears the Browns were careful about overworking him during his first game back. Antonio Callaway acted as Cleveland's No. 2 receiver, though that could change if new head coach Gregg Williams and offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens favor the veteran over the rookie. In six games, Higgins has 19 receptions for 263 yards and a touchdown.

Listed as active Sunday

Higgins (knee) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

Analysis: Higgins is out there if you need him in his return from a three-game absence, but he's a speculative fantasy play until he re-proves his health. In the coming weeks though, there's an opportunity for him claim a key role in the Cleveland offense behind top option Jarvis Landry, given Callaway's sporadic production to date.

On track to play

Higgins (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, but the Browns believe he'll be able to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: After missing three games with the MCL sprain, Higgins returned to practice Thursday in limited fashion and repeated that activity Friday. While the Browns would have ideally wanted Higgins to put in a full practice before returning to game action, the receiver apparently looked good during his time on the field this week when media was present, per Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram. Cleveland is also optimistic that Antonio Callaway (ankle) will be able to shake off his own injury…read more

Questionable for Week 9

Higgins (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Analysis: Whereas fellow wideout Antonio Callaway (ankle) is trending in the wrong direction after not practicing Friday and earning a questionable designation for the Week 9 matchup, Higgins "looks good to go after missing three games," per Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram. If Callaway is out this weekend, Higgins -- if active -- would likely draw the start at receiver opposite Jarvis Landry, according to Petrak. In the five games he's played this season, Higgins has caught 16 of 22 targets…read more

Practicing for second straight day

Higgins (knee) suited up for Friday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Analysis: Higgins was unable to practice Wednesday, but it looks like he'll get some work in for the second day in a row, giving him a chance to return to action this weekend after sitting out the last three games. He could play a key role if he is able to play Sunday, as fellow wideout Antonio Callaway could be either limited or sidelined due to an ankle injury he picked up at Thursday's practice.

Returns to limited practice Thursday

Higgins (knee) was listed as a limited practice participant Thursday.

Analysis: Higgins is thus trending in the right direction after missing Wednesday's session. While his progress is encouraging, he's still in the day-to-day category and not a lock to play Sunday against the Chiefs, per Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. Added clarity on the Week 9 status of Higgins, as well that of Antonio Callaway (ankle) will arrive upon the release of Friday's final injury report.

Present for practice

Higgins (knee) was on the field Thursday for the start of the Browns' practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Analysis: The wideout has yet to practice in any capacity since sustaining an MCL sprain Oct. 7 against the Ravens, but it appears he'll take a significant step forward in his recovery process. The Browns will release their official practice report later Thursday, which should clarify whether Higgins' activity registered as full, limited or non-participation. However he ends up being listed, Higgins' presence on the field in any capacity will tentatively keep the door open for him to play Sunday against…read more

Remains sidelined Wednesday

Higgins (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Analysis: Higgins' ongoing absence from practice thus continues to cloud his status as Sunday's game against the Chiefs approaches. If he remains out for a fourth consecutive contests, added snaps would be available for depth wideouts Damion Ratley and Breshad Perriman.

Won't play Sunday

Higgins (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Steelers, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal report.

Analysis: With Higgins slated to miss his third consecutive game, Damion Ratley figures to continue to see added work Sunday along with starters Jarvis Landry and Antonio Callaway, while newcomer Breshad Perriman is also a candidate for added snaps in Week 8.

Missing practice again

Higgins (knee) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Analysis: Coach Hue Jackson admitted that it was unlikely Higgins would suit up Sunday against the Steelers, making the wideout's lack of on-field work Thursday unsurprising. With Higgins on track to miss a third consecutive game, Damion Ratley looks like the top candidate to pick up most of the snaps alongside starters Jarvis Landry and Antonio Callaway in three-receiver sets.

Not expected to play this week

Higgins (knee) didn't participate in practice Wednesday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: Moreover, Andrew Gribble of the Browns' official site relays that coach Hue Jackson doesn't expect Higgins to play against the Steelers on Sunday. If that's the case, added opportunities behind top wideout Jarvis Landry would be available for Damion Ratley, Antonio Callaway and perhaps even Breshad Perriman.

Sitting out Week 7

Higgins (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Analysis: With Higgins out, the Browns' Week 7 wideout corps will be headed by Jarvis Landry, Antonio Callaway and Damion Ratley. Meanwhile, Breshad Perriman could carve out a role in the team's offense as injuries and personnel changes continue to alter the makeup of the team's receiving depth chart.

Absent from practice

Higgins (knee) isn't practicing Wednesday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: Despite his own optimism about a quick rehab process, Higgins isn't expected to be ready any sooner than Week 8 against the Steelers. His expected absence for Week 7 leaves the Browns without much help at wide receiver behind Jarvis Landry, as rookie fourth-round pick Antonio Callaway has managed just 105 yards on 35 targets (3.0 average) the past four weeks. The Cleveland offense does draw a favorable matchup, as the Browns will head to Tampa Bay to face a Bucs defense that ranks dead last in…read more

Pushing for quick rehab

Higgins (knee) said he would play in Sunday's game against the Chargers if it were up to him, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Analysis: Despite his optimism about his own health, Higgins will still miss at least the Week 6 contest and likely an additional game or two beyond that. It's at least an encouraging sign that he's already pushing for an aggressive approach to the rehab process. He suffered an MCL sprain in Sunday's 12-9 win over the Ravens, finishing with three catches for 66 yards and his first touchdown of the season. Higgins' absence this week leaves a slumping Antonio Callaway without any real competition for the…read more

Likely out at least two weeks

Higgins (knee) is expected to miss at least two games, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: Higgins has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL, which typically comes with a recovery timeline of 2-to-4 weeks. He can be safely ruled out for Week 6 at the very least, with Week 7 also a long shot. Rishard Matthews is visiting the Browns for a workout Monday, potentially giving the team an out-of-house option for the No. 3 receiver role. The in-house options are undrafted rookie Derrick Willies, sixth-round rookie Damion Ratley and veteran journeyman Rod Streater. It doesn't help that Antonio…read more

Week-to-week with MCL sprain

Higgins (knee) is considered week-to-week with a sprained MCL, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports.

Analysis: This is great news for Higgins after the receiver exited Sunday's victory over Baltimore with an apparent knee injury. In fact, head coach Hue Jackson said the receiver isn't even expected to need surgery. While Higgins is likely to miss at least one game in recovery, the third-year wideout should be back in the fold before long. In the meantime, Jackson said the Browns will look to replace Higgins' production with the team's available in-house options, including Rod Streater, Derrick Willies…read more

Exits game with knee injury

Higgins was forced out of Sunday's game against the Ravens with a knee injury.

Analysis: Prior to his exit, Higgins hauled in three of his four targets for 66 yards and a TD. Antonio Callaway is a candidate to see added looks as Sunday's game winds down. Looking ahead, if Higgins misses time, Rishard Matthews (who is visiting the Browns on Monday) could be a candidate to join Cleveland's wideout mix in advance of Week 6.

Leads team in receiving Sunday

Higgins secured four of five targets for a team-high 61 yards during Sunday's 45-42 loss to Oakland.

Analysis: Though Higgins led the Browns in receiving yards, his five targets failed in comparison, as Jarvis Landry, Antonio Callaway, David Njoku and Duke Johnson were all targeted more by Baker Mayfield. The third-year wideout was on the field for 65 percent of the Browns' offensive snaps and is expected to have a similar workload going forward.

Three targets Thursday

Higgins caught all three of his targets for 32 yards during Thursday's 21-17 win over the Jets.

Analysis: Higgins was on the field for 54 of the team's 77 offensive snaps (70 percent), but wasn't really involved in the offense until Baker Mayfield took over. The two connected on three passes in the second half, including a deep pass that went for 19 yards. Higgins is clearly behind Jarvis Landry and rookie Antonio Callaway on the depth chart, though Mayfield's expected presence under center from here on out adds to Higgins' value.

Heavily involved versus Saints

Higgins caught five of seven targets for 47 yards during Sunday's 21-18 loss to the Saints.

Analysis: Though Antonio Callaway drew the start Sunday, Higgins saw three more targets than the rookie and seemed to be favored by quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Higgins figures to play a prominent role in Cleveland's offense now that Josh Gordon (hamstring) is no longer in the picture, so performances like this could become the norm for the 23-year-old. Jarvis Landry is still expected to get the bulk of the targets, but Higgins -- a former fifth-round draft choice -- could be in line to finally have a…read more

Logs 54 snaps Week 1

Higgins hauled in one pass (four targets) for 38 yards during Sunday's 21-21 draw with the Steelers.

Analysis: Higgins was on the field for 61 percent of Cleveland's offensive snaps, making him the clear No. 3 receiver behind Jarvis Landry and Josh Gordon and ahead of rookie Antonio Callaway. The third-year wideout caught only one pass, but it went for 38 yards after Higgins beat his defender on a go-route. With Landry and Gordon expected to dominate the target share, it'll be interesting to see how involved Higgins remains going forward.

Two receptions against Eagles

Higgins brought in both of his targets for 27 yards in Thursday's 5-0 preseason win over the Eagles.

Analysis: Higgins -- who's battling for a roster spot -- has made a strong impression thus far in the preseason. Through three games, the 23-year-old has eight catches for 113 yards, including four receptions for 66 yards during the exhibition opener. Rookie wideout Antonio Callaway (groin) currently has the leg up for the third receiver spot, but Higgins has a relatively good shot at making the team in a depth role.

Snags four balls in preseason opener

Higgins opened the preseason with four catches for 66 yards on five targets in Thursday's 20-10 win over the Giants.

Analysis: Higgins got plenty of work with the starters in the absence of fellow wide receiver Josh Gordon (personal). Higgins caught back-to-back passes of six and 21 yards from Tyrod Taylor on Cleveland's second possession, then added receptions of 26 and 13 yards courtesy of Baker Mayfield later in the first half. The 23-year-old wide receiver capped last season with a two-touchdown performance in Week 17, and Higgins could still earn significant reps opposite Gordon on the outside this year, as…read more

Higgins, who caught three of four targets for 68 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's 28-24 loss to the Steelers, ends 2017 with 27 receptions for 312 yards and two scores.

Analysis: Higgins began the year on the practice squad but was soon promoted after Corey Coleman was shelved with a hand injury. He finished tied for fourth on the team in receptions and should be considered for a roster spot in 2018, depending on what the Browns do in the draft and free agency.

Higgins caught both of his targets for 10 yards during Sunday's 27-10 loss to Baltimore.

Analysis: Higgins saw more snaps (52 of 64) than Corey Coleman, though he was unable to establish a connection with DeShone Kizer. The former second-round pick --- who began the season on the practice squad -- has 22 receptions for 224 yards but just two catches in his last three contests, despite the increase in snaps.

Higgins was on the field for 57 percent of the team's offensive snaps but wasn't targeted during Sunday's 19-10 loss to the Chargers.

Analysis: Higgins has officially supplanted Ricardo Louis on the depth chart, as he once again played a plethora of more snaps Sunday. Still, despite playing over 50 percent of the plays on offense, DeShone Kizer never looked his way. Most of Kizer's targets were directed toward Josh Gordon, and it may be tough sledding for Higgins going forward.

Higgins brought in two of three targets for 30 yards during Sunday's 30-16 loss to the Bengals,

Analysis: For the second consecutive week, Higgins out-snapped Ricardo Louis, though his newfound involvement in the offense may be short-lived, as Josh Gordon is expected to make his much-awaited debut Sunday against the Chargers. Still, Higgins' 30 receiving yards was his third-highest total of the season, and it seems he has leapfrogged Louis on the depth chart.

Higgins finished without a catch (two targets) during Sunday's 19-7 loss to Jacksonville.

Analysis: Higgins went without a catch for the first time this season, as No. 1 wideout Corey Coleman made his return to the field. Interestingly enough, despite Higgins' lack of production, he saw more action than Ricardo Louis, finishing with five more offensive snaps. It remains to be seen if that trend will continue, but it's definitely something to keep an eye on.