The latest injury updates on Higgins and Chase ahead of Patriots-Bengals originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The New England Patriots are the big underdogs against the Cincinnati Bengals, who play their Week 1 game at Paycor Stadium on Sunday afternoon. However, the home team has several key players whose availability is uncertain.

Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is dealing with a hamstring injury. After a limited participation in Thursday’s practice, Higgins sat out Friday’s session and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday.

It would be a huge advantage for the Patriots secondary not to have to deal with Higgins. The 25-year-old veteran is a tough player to cover, and he crushed the Patriots defense for eight receptions, 128 yards and a touchdown the last time these teams played in December 2022.

Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase — one of the top five players at his position — is officially questionable for Week 1. He has been waiting for a new contract and is uninjured. He was a limited participant in practices Wednesday and Thursday but practiced fully on Friday.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Friday when asked by reporters if Chase and Higgins will play against the Patriots, “we’ll see.”

Bengals offensive tackle Amarius Mims has been ruled out with a chest injury.

The Patriots are also struggling with injuries.

Left guard Sidy Sow has been ruled out with an ankle injury. Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (hip), offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (abdomen) and linebacker Josh Uche (foot) are all listed as questionable.

Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).