The Cincinnati Bengals got some good news when it was reported that franchise quarterback Joe Burrow would return to practice Monday. After that good news, the bad news for the defense came.
When speaking to the media Monday, Head Coach Zac Taylor said that defensive end Trey Hendrickson (hip) would be doubtful for Sunday’s AFC North clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Hendrickson last played on October 26th in the loss to the New York Jets. He left that contest early after taking a hit and reaggravating the injury that had been lingering.
This is not great news for a Bengals’ defense that has struggled mightily in essentially all aspects of the game. Without Hendrickson in the lineup, Cincinnati has has virtually no pass rush, leading to issues at every level of the defense. Hendrickson is normally able to collapse the pocket and make quarterbacks uncomfortable and without him, they have seemingly had all day to throw.
Hendrickson’s contract expires at the end of this season and the lack of availability this season likely makes the Bengals believe the were right to extend him long term. If the Bengals’ season slips even further, one would wonder if we will see Hendrickson in a Bengals uniform again.
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