Mitchell

Tinsley

Taylor told reporters that Higgins — who was checked multiple times after a couple major hits on Sunday — reported symptoms after the game. Given the quick turnaround from his last concussion, it would be surprising if Higgins managed to play this week. It looks like Andrei Iosivas and Mitchell Tinsley, as well as Mike Gesicki, will be solidly on the 12-team radar for Week 15.

With Tee Higgins out because of a concussion this week, Tinsley ultimately operated as the team’s No. 2 receiver, just like he did in Week 12. He earned plenty of targets, but the young wideout failed to come up with any of his difficult targets, only bringing in the layups Joe Burrow threw his way. Higgins could be back next week. Even if he isn’t, the Bengals will likely try to get Andrei Iosivas more involved after this inefficient performance from Tinsley.

With Ja’Marr Chase suspended and Tee Higgins leaving early with a possible concussion, Tinsley was tied for second on the team in targets. He and Joe Flacco weren’t able to connect on many of them, but Tinsley was able to haul in a clutch fourth-quarter touchdown to pull the Bengals within three points. He could be a deep league FLEX option on Thursday against the Ravens if Higgins is unable to suit up.

Tinsley has been making the game-day roster over Jermaine Burton this year. He made the most of his opportunities this week with a top-tapping (shin-tapping, technically) score in the third quarter. Tinsley isn’t on the fantasy radar, but even a minor role for him will keep Andrei Iosivas out of the fantasy conversation as well.

Other than the Bengals sad first-team defense, Tinsley was the talk of last night’s preseason game between the Bengals and the Commanders with a 5/73/2 display on six targets, including two extremely nice end zone catches, one from Joe Burrow. Dehner adds that Tinsley’s performance “had him running with the first team during certain practices.” Do we need to scrap the entire depth chart and worry about Ja’Marr Chase’s target share? No. But Tinsley could potentially push Andrei Iosivas for some time in the third receiver role, and perhaps scoot ahead of Jermaine Burton at last cuts.

The Commanders have been fortunate throughout most of the season, boasting one of the healthier rosters in the league. Curtis Samuel, who missed Week 9 with a toe injury is active and can be treated as a WR3 against a Seahawks defense that has been frequently targeted in the slot.

Tinsley (6’0/199) was one of three receivers to play with former Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe in 2021. After going for 1,403 yards and 14 scores in that season, Tinsley opted for tougher competition by transferring to Penn State for his final season. There’s no denying the numbers simply weren’t there for him in 2022, as he posted a pedestrian 55-577-5 in Big Ten play. Still, one of the better assets of his game – his contested catch ability, remained intact. Tinsley hauled in 10-of-16 contested targets last season and has a 52.9 contested target catch rate. With 4.6 speed and underwhelming quickness, Tinsley’s ability to win battles and high-point the ball are more of a necessity to his game. He could wow with some impressive plays in training camp but will probably have to battle to make a 53-man roster.

Currently, the 12th ranked receiver on Mock Draft Database, Washington has had a quiet two weeks for the Lions. The third-year receiver has just six receptions for 90 yards on the year and caught four passes for 60 yards last weekend against Ohio. With former teammate Jahan Dotson now with the Washington Commanders, Washington was expected to fill in as the WR1 for Penn State. However, the arrival of transfer receiver Mitchell Tinsley has created some stiff target competition. Tinsley is ranked behind Washington as the 13th receiver on Mock Draft Database. With a tough road game against Auburn on tap, Washington has an opportunity to catch the eyes of scouts on the SEC stage.

Tinsley (6'/1205) may have played his last game as a Hilltopper after entering the transfer portal on December 7th, but choosing to play in a game where quarterback Bailey Zappe was gunning for FBS passing records. Tinsely had arguably the best play on the day when he and Zappe hooked up for a 75-yard touchdown pass that featured Tinsley breaking away from several tacklers on his way to the end zone. Tinsley’s second touchdown catch on the afternoon came on a two-yard pass from Zappe, that ended up setting the record for most touchdown passes (61) in single-season FBS history, as he brings his 2021 season to a close on a strong note. Tinsley’s first and perhaps only season with Western Kentucky ends with 87 receptions for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Tinsley (6'1/205) will reportedly play in Western Kentucky’s bowl game against Appalachian State, which is set to be played on December 18th. On the season, Tinsley has caught 80 passes for 1,299 yards and 12 touchdowns, and is averaging 16.2 yards per reception. In last week’s C-USA conference championship loss to UTSA, Tinsely caught nine passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, which included a 60-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Tinsley will likely look to latch on with a Power 5 team for his senior season in hopes of building on a successful 2021 campaign.