Trey Hendrickson's Injury News Shakes the Cincinnati Bengals

In the middle of a tight AFC North race and with playoff aspirations hanging in the balance, the Cincinnati Bengals received a devastating blow in Week 13: star defensive end Trey Hendrickson had suffered a significant pelvic injury. The news sent ripples through the team’s locker room, fan base, and front office, as Hendrickson has been the backbone of the Bengals’ pass rush and a vocal leader on defense since joining the team in 2021. For a Bengals squad already dealing with other minor injuries, losing a player of Hendrickson’s caliber—who entered the week with 11 sacks and 18 quarterback hits—threatens to derail their momentum. Trey Hendrickson's Injury News Shakes the Cincinnati Bengals explores the details of the injury, its immediate impact on the team, and how the Bengals are scrambling to adjust in the wake of this setback.

Trey Hendrickson's Injury News Shakes the Cincinnati Bengals first unfolded during the Bengals’ Week 13 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, a play that initially seemed routine but quickly turned concerning. Late in the third quarter, with the Colts driving deep into Bengals territory, Hendrickson rushed around the right tackle to pressure quarterback Gardner Minshew. As Minshew scrambled to avoid the sack, Hendrickson dove to make the tackle, colliding with both Minshew and a Colts offensive lineman. He stayed on the turf for several minutes, clutching his lower abdomen, before being helped off the field by team trainers. He did not return to the game, and post-game tests confirmed a Grade 2 pelvic strain—a injury that typically requires 3-4 weeks of recovery, putting his availability for the final stretch of the regular season in doubt. “It was a quiet locker room after the game,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “Trey is more than just a player—he’s a leader, and losing him hits everyone hard. We’re all thinking about him, but we also have to focus on moving forward.”

A critical reason the injury has shaken the Bengals is Hendrickson’s irreplaceable role in the team’s defensive scheme. As a versatile defensive end who can line up on both edges and even shift inside on passing downs, Hendrickson has been the catalyst for the Bengals’ pass rush. His ability to win one-on-one matchups with offensive tackles forces opposing teams to commit extra blockers to him, freeing up teammates like Sam Hubbard and Joseph Ossai to make plays. Without him, the Bengals’ defense immediately loses a dynamic playmaker—something that was evident in the final quarter of the Colts game, where the defense allowed two late touchdowns to blow a 10-point lead. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo acknowledged the challenge ahead: “Trey does things that no other player on our defense can do. He’s our top pass rusher, our most consistent run defender on the edge, and he’s always in the right place at the right time. Replacing him won’t be easy—it’ll take a team effort.” Film from the Colts game shows just how much the defense missed him: in the fourth quarter, Colts tackles were able to focus solely on Hubbard and Ossai, limiting the Bengals to zero quarterback hits after Hendrickson’s exit.

A defining aspect of Trey Hendrickson's Injury News Shakes the Cincinnati Bengals is the immediate impact on the team’s playoff positioning and morale. Entering Week 13, the Bengals were tied with the Baltimore Ravens for first place in the AFC North, with a chance to take sole possession of the top spot with a win over the Colts. Instead, the loss dropped them to 9-4, a game behind the Ravens, and raised questions about their ability to compete with top AFC teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills without their best defensive player. For the Cincinnati Bengals, the timing of the injury could not be worse: their remaining schedule includes tough matchups against the Ravens, Bills, and Pittsburgh Steelers—all teams with strong offenses that will look to exploit the Bengals’ weakened pass rush. “We’re not panicking, but we know this is a big challenge,” said Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. “Trey is a guy we count on every week, but we have other talented players who can step up. We just need to rally together.” The team held a closed-door meeting the day after the injury, where players and coaches emphasized the “next man up” mentality that has carried the Bengals through tough times in the past.

Another key layer of how the injury has shaken the Cincinnati Bengals is the uncertainty surrounding Hendrickson’s recovery timeline and the team’s lack of depth at defensive end. While the initial diagnosis is a Grade 2 strain, pelvic injuries can be unpredictable, and the Bengals are taking a cautious approach to avoid a longer-term setback. Hendrickson has been placed on a modified practice schedule, focusing on light stretching and core strengthening exercises, but there is no clear timeline for his return. To fill the void, the Bengals have elevated defensive end Wyatt Hubert from the practice squad and are considering signing a free agent to add depth. However, Hubert has just two career NFL snaps, and most available free agents are past their prime or have limited experience in the Bengals’ scheme. “We’re doing everything we can to add depth, but there’s no replacing a player like Trey,” said Bengals general manager Duke Tobin. “We’ll have to adjust our scheme and rely on our existing players to step up. It’s not ideal, but it’s the hand we’ve been dealt.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this lack of depth means that players like Ossai and Hubbard will have to play more snaps than usual, increasing the risk of fatigue and additional injuries down the stretch.

Wrapping up Trey Hendrickson's Injury News Shakes the Cincinnati Bengals is the emotional impact on the team’s fan base and Hendrickson’s own reaction to the setback. Bengals fans took to social media to express their concern and support for Hendrickson, with hashtags like #GetWellTrey and #BengalsFamily trending on Twitter. Many fans pointed out that Hendrickson has been one of the team’s most consistent performers in recent years, and his absence will be felt both on and off the field. Hendrickson himself addressed the injury in a short statement, thanking fans for their support and vowing to return stronger. “This is a tough break, but I’m going to attack rehab like I attack every game,” he said. “I know my teammates will hold it down while I’m out, and I’ll be cheering them on every step of the way.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, the road ahead is uncertain, but the team is clinging to the hope that Hendrickson can return in time for the playoffs. In the meantime, they’ll have to find a way to overcome this major setback—something that will test their resilience and depth as they chase a Super Bowl title. One thing is clear: Trey Hendrickson’s injury has shaken the Bengals, but it has also given them a chance to show just how tough and united they are.