Trey Hendrickson's Doubtful Status Forces Adjustments for the Cincinnati Bengals

When the Cincinnati Bengals labeled defensive end Trey Hendrickson as “doubtful” for their Week 17 showdown with the Buffalo Bills—a game with playoff seeding implications—the news didn’t just raise concerns about pass-rush production. It triggered a cascade of adjustments across the team’s defense, from scheme tweaks to personnel shifts, as coaches and players scrambled to fill the void left by their most disruptive defender. Trey Hendrickson's Doubtful Status Forces Adjustments for the Cincinnati Bengals examines how this uncertain availability has pushed the Bengals to rethink their approach, leveraging depth, creativity, and preparation to ensure their defense remains competitive—even without the player who has anchored their pass rush all season. For a team fighting to solidify a playoff spot, these adjustments aren’t just a backup plan; they’re a test of their ability to adapt under pressure.

Trey Hendrickson's Doubtful Status Forces Adjustments for the Cincinnati Bengals begins with the immediate challenge posed by Hendrickson’s potential absence: replacing his statistical and strategic impact. Through 15 games, Hendrickson has tallied 11 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and 3 forced fumbles—leading the team in all three categories—and has been the primary reason the Bengals rank 12th in the NFL in sacks (38 total). Beyond the numbers, he’s a “scheme-wrecker”: opposing offenses often assign double teams to block him, freeing up teammates to make plays. Without him, offensive lines can shift their focus to other defenders, like Sam Hubbard or Joseph Ossai, reducing their effectiveness. “Trey doesn’t just make plays—he creates opportunities for everyone else,” said Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. “Losing that means we have to find new ways to generate pressure and keep quarterbacks off balance.” The first adjustment? A shift from a base 4-3 defense to more nickel and dime packages, which allow the Bengals to add extra defensive backs while keeping four rushers on the field—compensating for Hendrickson’s absence by increasing speed and versatility.

Trey Hendrickson's Doubtful Status Forces Adjustments for the Cincinnati Bengals continues with the personnel shifts that will define the Bengals’ defensive look if Hendrickson sits out. Hubbard, a sixth-year veteran with 6 sacks this season, will move into Hendrickson’s starting role at right defensive end, while Ossai—who has 4 sacks and excels at speed rushes—will see increased reps as the backup. To add depth, the Bengals have also elevated practice squad defensive end Jeff Gunter to the active roster, giving them a third option with size (6’5”, 265 lbs) and strength to plug into run-defense situations. “Sam and Joseph have proven they can make plays, but we need them to step into bigger roles now,” Anarumo said. “Jeff gives us a physical presence we might need against the Bills’ running game, which is always a threat with Josh Allen.” The adjustments also extend to linebackers: Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt will be tasked with more blitzes, using their speed to attack the edge or interior gaps—something the Bengals have rarely relied on this season. During practice this week, film footage shows Wilson lining up as a stand-up rusher on 20% of snaps, up from just 5% in previous games—a clear effort to replace Hendrickson’s pressure from new angles.

Trey Hendrickson's Doubtful Status Forces Adjustments for the Cincinnati Bengals shifts to the mental and preparational adjustments the Bengals have made to keep their defense focused. Anarumo has emphasized “collective responsibility” in team meetings, reminding players that no single person can replace Hendrickson—but the unit as a whole can compensate by playing with more intensity and attention to detail. “We’re not asking anyone to be Trey,” he told the defense on Wednesday. “We’re asking everyone to be a little better than they were last week. If each of us makes one extra play, that adds up to what Trey gives us.” The Bengals have also spent extra time studying film of the Bills’ offense, focusing on how Buffalo exploits teams with weakened pass rushes. For example, the Bills often use play-action fakes to draw linebackers out of the box, creating space for Allen to scramble or throw deep to Stefon Diggs. To counter this, the Bengals have practiced “quarterback spy” assignments, where one linebacker (usually Wilson) stays focused on Allen, even if it means leaving a receiver temporarily uncovered. For the Cincinnati Bengals, these mental adjustments are just as critical as physical ones: staying disciplined and avoiding mistakes will be key to offsetting the loss of their star pass rusher.

Trey Hendrickson's Doubtful Status Forces Adjustments for the Cincinnati Bengals delves into how the special teams unit has adjusted to support the defense, recognizing that field position will be even more important if the Bengals struggle to generate pressure. Punter Kevin Huber has been practicing more directional punts, aiming to pin the Bills deep in their own territory (inside the 20-yard line) to limit their offensive options. Kickoff specialist Evan McPherson, meanwhile, has focused on “squib kicks” that force the Bills to return the ball from midfield, reducing the chance of a long return and giving the defense a shorter field to defend. “If our defense is going to be tested, we need to do everything we can to make their job easier,” said special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons. “Field position can turn a 10-play drive into a 5-play drive, and that’s the difference between stopping them and giving up points.” The Bengals have also adjusted their kickoff coverage unit, adding faster defensive backs to prevent the Bills from breaking long returns—another layer of preparation aimed at minimizing the impact of Hendrickson’s absence. For the Cincinnati Bengals, special teams adjustments are a quiet but vital part of their overall strategy, ensuring every unit contributes to keeping the defense competitive.

Trey Hendrickson's Doubtful Status Forces Adjustments for the Cincinnati Bengals wraps up with the long-term implications of these changes, both for the Bills game and the Bengals’ playoff aspirations. If the adjustments work—if Hubbard and Ossai generate pressure, if the blitzes from linebackers disrupt Allen, and if special teams control field position—the Bengals will not only secure a critical win but also prove they have the depth and flexibility to handle injuries in the playoffs. Even if they fall short, the experience of adapting now will prepare them for similar challenges later: injuries are inevitable in the postseason, and teams that can adjust quickly are often the ones that advance. “Adversity like this reveals what a team is made of,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “We’re not just preparing for one game—we’re preparing for the moments that define a playoff run.” For Hendrickson, who has been attending practices and offering advice to Hubbard and Ossai, the adjustments are a testament to the team’s resilience. “I have full faith in these guys,” he said. “They’ve worked just as hard as I have, and they’re ready to step up.” In the end, Trey Hendrickson's Doubtful Status Forces Adjustments for the Cincinnati Bengals is more than a story about replacing a player—it’s a story about a team rising to the occasion, using preparation and unity to turn a setback into an opportunity. For the Bengals, these adjustments aren’t just about winning one game; they’re about proving they have what it takes to compete for a Super Bowl—no matter who is on the field.