Yes they have a rough road ahead of them but if they can get Higgins back, they very well can upset any of the top teams in the AFC. I'm not counting them out until they are officially out and I think it would be foolish for anyone to do so.
I don't think a single player coming back is going to change their destiny. Burrow's stats are hiding his inconsistency. Their HC and his decision making is hit or miss. They seem to have a few personalities they're having trouble controlling (e.g. the cornerback talking shyt about everyone earlier this year and now Chase seeming to go off script). The only offenses they've held to less than 20 points this year were led by Jacoby Brissett, Deshaun, and Daniel Jones aka the terrible ones.
The next game is Herbert and I'd bet they're getting at least 25 points and the Chargers defense is REALLY good after that it's the Steelers with a competent Russ at QB and another REALLY good defense especially pass rushing. Then it's the Cowboys, Titans, and Browns which they'll win THEN they'll be back against another REALLY good defense with the Broncos and Sean Payton who is gonna scheme some shyt open for Nix then Steelers again.
All of the remaining teams remaining on their schedule that are above them in the playoff picture has the ability to make Burrow really uncomfortable in the pocket and the ability to put stress on their defense. They're not going to do Monken shyt and call a draw with their smallest RB on 3rd and 4 type shyt. We're 10 weeks in so they are who they are. This year's version of the Bengals, with how they're playing and coaching, the road is too rough.