For the two Super Bowl participants Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams, the explosive wide receivers take centre stage on the offensive side. But the tight ends, both currently banged up, are at least as important. They could even become the X-factor in the biggest game of the year.

Munich/Los Angeles – Zac Taylor and Sean McVay, the head coaches of the Super Bowl teams, are actually relatively relaxed about their medical departments. For both teams it looks like all starters will be able to play. The only question mark – for both opponents – is the tight end.

The Cincinnati Bengals are worried about C.J. Uzomah, Tyler Higbee is still questionable for the Los Angeles Rams before the big Super Bowl.

Statistically inconspicuous yet incredibly important

As a layman looking at the stats, you might think that neither player really has much of an impact on their teams’ offense. While Uzomah has gained 493 yards of space and five touchdowns in 16 games for the Bengals, Higbee has 560 yards and also five touchdowns in 15 games for the Rams. Solid, but not very good or outstanding values.

A look behind the facade shows why both players are incredibly important to their teams. Uzomah, for example, is the longest-serving Bengal on offence. He’s a leader and team captain, and for that reason alone, Coach Taylor doesn’t want to be without him. “It looks encouraging,” the head coach indicated recently, with an eye on a stint in LA.

Furthermore, Uzomah is a good blocker. A trait not to be underestimated in tight ends to slow down the opponent’s pass rush. And that will be an important aspect against Aaron Donald and Co. from the Bengals’ perspective with a weak offensive line.

What both Uzomah and Higbee have in common is their incredibly high importance as a fourth or fifth option in the passing game. Rams coach McVay agrees: “If he was out, it wouldn’t be good news. It doesn’t look like he’ll be able to practice on Wednesday,” said the pessimistic-sounding 36-year-old.

Secret weapon in Super Bowl?

Because both the Rams and Bengals have three absolute top receivers, the tight ends often have to deal with linebackers who usually often lose out to big tight ends in man defenses. Especially since safeties, the deepest pass defenders, will likely be busy doubling Cooper Kupp or Ja’Marr Chace.

And that’s where the opportunity lies for both teams. Should plays designed for Uzomah and Higbee, respectively, work early, the defense would inevitably have to respond. In theory, that eventually opens up spaces for both teams’ top receivers. However, of course both coaches know this, it creates the chess game that makes football so interesting.

If Tyler Higbee is out, Kendall Blanton would be ready to go. Although he is still a blank slate in the NFL, he showed in the championship game against the San Francisco 49ers that he can deliver (five catches for 57 yards) when called upon.

Whether both tight ends, just one of them or even neither ends up playing in the Super Bowl won’t be decided until the end of the week, possibly even with the announcement of the inactive players around 90 minutes before the game.

Whichever team this loss would affect, it would be the loss of an important trump card.