In a pivotal Week 18 match-up against the Cleveland Browns, the Cincinnati Bengals will take the field without key receivers Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Higgins, who suffered a hamstring injury in the previous game against the Kansas City Chiefs, has been officially ruled inactive for today's encounter.

Boyd, on the other hand, is expected to play, but this might very well be his final game in a Bengals uniform. Both he and Higgins are set to become free agents at the end of the season, potentially signaling the end of an era for the Bengals' receiving corps.

Joining Higgins on the sidelines is cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, who has been deemed inactive due to shoulder and calf injuries. Awuzie's absence will leave a void in the Bengals' defensive formation.

With Higgins out, wide receiver snaps are expected to be shared between Trenton Irwin and rookie Andrei Iosivas. The Bengals will also likely rely on rookie DJ Turner as a starting cornerback in place of Awuzie.

Meanwhile, the Browns will be resting most of their starters, as they have secured the No. 5 playoff seed.

As for the starting lineups, the Bengals will feature Ja'Marr Chase, Trenton Irwin, and Tyler Boyd as their wide receivers. Joe Mixon will take the reins in the running back position, while the offensive line will consist of Orlando Brown Jr., Cordell Volson, Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, and Jonah Williams.

Defensively, the Bengals will be led by Trey Hendrickson, Zach Carter, B.J. Hill, and Sam Hubbard on the line. Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt will anchor the linebacker corps, while Chidobe Awuzie (if healthy), Cam Taylor-Britt, Mike Hilton, Jordan Battle, and Dax Hill will form the defensive backfield.

The outcome of this game will not only impact the Bengals' final regular-season record but also potentially shape the future direction of the team's roster. With Higgins and Boyd's uncertain future with the Bengals, the organization will need to evaluate their receiving options moving forward.

As the regular season comes to a close, be sure to stay tuned for updates on the Bengals' off-season plans, including potential contract negotiations and roster adjustments.