Not surprising to see these two absent from voluntary practice.
The Cincinnati Bengals began Phase 2 of their offseason program on Tuesday as the vast majority of the team took the field for voluntary organized team activities. There were several players absent, including franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, who wasn’t there after he attended the Met Gala the night before in New York City.
Two defensive starters from the 2024 season who were also noticeably absent were linebacker Germaine Pratt and edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, but neither absence should be surprising.
Trey Hendrickson is in the middle (hopefully) of long-term extension negotiations that will pay the defending NFL sack leader what he deserves. He requested a trade earlier in the offseason, and the Bengals, surprisingly, granted him permission to seek one. Hendrickson drummed up a little interest, but the draft came and went without any deals.
Just a few days ago, there were positive reports about the negotiations between the team and the pass rusher, but it’s unlikely we’ll see Hendrickson until he comes to an agreement with the front office. Hopefully, that’s soon.
Germaine Pratt, though, will likely never be seen in a Bengals uniform again. He requested a trade in February, just a little over a month after the front office fired former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. The two sides have been pretty quiet, but the Bengals’ actions were very loud on draft night when they selected Demetrius Knight in the second round and Barrett Carter in the fourth.
Considering the linebacker room is suddenly crowded, it’s likely the Bengals release Pratt if they can’t find a trade partner.
Stay tuned as the Bengals progress through OTAs and these stories develop.
