Trey Hendrickson's Pelvis Issue Under Scrutiny for the Cincinnati Bengals

As the Cincinnati Bengals chase a playoff spot, edge rusher Trey Hendrickson’s lingering pelvis injury has become a top concern. The two-time Pro Bowler—with 12 sacks and 3 forced fumbles this season—first felt discomfort in Week 14’s win over the Ravens. What started as a minor tweak is now closely monitored, as pelvis injuries harm mobility and power, critical for his pass-rush role. Trey Hendrickson's Pelvis Issue Under Scrutiny for the Cincinnati Bengals breaks down the injury’s origin, recovery hurdles, and impact on the team’s late-season plans.

Trey Hendrickson's Pelvis Issue Under Scrutiny for the Cincinnati Bengals opens with the injury’s onset in the Ravens game. In the third quarter, Hendrickson collided with Lamar Jackson while sacking him, clutching his pelvis before walking off. He returned briefly but was pulled in the fourth quarter due to worsening pain. Post-game, X-rays showed no structural damage, labeled a “mild pelvic strain.” But a follow-up MRI revealed a slight tear in the pelvis-connected adductor magnus muscle, explaining his pain when changing direction. “Pelvic strains hide severity—small tears worsen with use,” said unaffiliated sports medicine Dr. Emily Carter. Hendrickson was listed “questionable” for the Texans game, kicking off intense scrutiny.

Trey Hendrickson's Pelvis Issue Under Scrutiny for the Cincinnati Bengals dives into his cautious recovery. The Bengals’ medical team mapped rest, soft tissue therapy, and gradual movement: three days of no on-field work (swimming, yoga), then light upper-body lifting and treadmill jogs. “I won’t rush back—playoffs matter too much,” Hendrickson said. He wore a non-contact jersey in practice, skipping team drills. Scrutiny spiked when he sat out the Texans game, a “preventative” call per head trainer Paul Sparling. Fans and analysts debated if the injury was worse than let on, fueling speculation.

Trey Hendrickson's Pelvis Issue Under Scrutiny for the Cincinnati Bengals looks at adjustments to the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense. With Hendrickson out, coordinator Lou Anarumo used Sam Hubbard, Joseph Ossai, and rookie Barrett Carter in a rotational pass rush. Hubbard had two sacks vs. the Texans, but pass-rush efficiency dropped—QBs had 2.8 more seconds to throw. “Trey’s edge bending is irreplaceable,” Anarumo said. More blitzes helped vs. Houston but failed vs. Buffalo, where Josh Allen threw for 310 yards. Run defense also slipped: the Bills rushed for 120 yards, 30 over the Bengals’ average. “Trey draws linemen, opening space for us,” said DT DJ Reader. For the Cincinnati Bengals, the injury exposed their reliance on him.

Trey Hendrickson's Pelvis Issue Under Scrutiny for the Cincinnati Bengals explores fan and media scrutiny as playoffs near. Social media and forums buzzed with claims the injury was “downplayed” after he sat out. Local radio dedicated segments to his timeline, with callers analyzing his practice body language. “Every sideline moment is watched—fans know he’s key to a deep run,” said 700 WLW host Mike Johnson. Coaches faced repeated questions; Zac Taylor stuck to “day-to-day” and “preparing for both scenarios.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this added stress, balancing transparency and hiding strategy from opponents.

Trey Hendrickson's Pelvis Issue Under Scrutiny for the Cincinnati Bengals wraps up with his latest status and playoff implications. After two weeks of rehab, he returned to full-pad practice for Week 17’s Browns game, joining all drills with no pain. The Bengals listed him “probable.” “It’s great to be back—still playing smart,” Hendrickson said. Scrutiny continues: analysts will check his Browns performance for full strength, and medics will monitor post-game soreness. For the Cincinnati Bengals, his health is make-or-break: a healthy Hendrickson disrupts QBs like Mahomes or Allen; a limited one weakens defense. “Trey’s our X-factor—his best changes everything,” Taylor said. As the regular season ends, all eyes stay on his pelvis, proving one player’s health shapes a team’s title hopes.