Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins returned to practice on Thursday as the team begins preparation for their upcoming matchup against the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football.

This marks the first time Higgins returned to the practice fields since Sept. 5 when he tweaked his hamstring in practice days before Cincinnati’s home opener.

Higgins, 25, is playing this season on the franchise tag making $21.8 million. The Bengals will make sure Higgins can get through a full week of practice before deciding if he can play on Monday night but coach Zac Taylor says the extra day helps his case to be able to play.

At 0-2 entering a must-win game against Washington, the Bengals will benefit from having Higgins on the field. With a healthy Ja’Marr Chase and Higgins for the first time this season, Cincinnati’s offense should be able to operate at a high level.

“I think having Tee on the field, I don't care what (personnel grouping) we're in, we're better,” offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said. “So it helps getting him back, regardless of what personnel grouping we're in, certainly 12 with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins out there, I think it'll be a good grouping for us.”

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Will Tee Higgins play this week for Bengals vs Commanders?