Bengals go back to drawing board at tight end
Irv Smith Jr., the team's Week 1 starter who was signed in free agency during the offseason, was going to be inactive for a pivotal Week 16 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers that carried massive playoff implications. Smith, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason, worked hard to show the coaching staff he could be a top option. But between injuries that week and other players performing well, he was a healthy scratch for the 34-11 loss to Pittsburgh.
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While Chase and Higgins were on their rookie deals when Cincinnati made their run to the Super Bowl, they're approaching the time where they need to be paid handsomely to remain in town.