Trey Hendrickson's Pelvis Issue Challenges the Cincinnati Bengals Depth

For the Cincinnati Bengals, Trey Hendrickson’s recent pelvis injury has emerged as a critical test of the team’s defensive depth—a challenge that comes at the worst possible time, as the team fights for playoff seeding. As one of the NFL’s most consistent pass rushers, Hendrickson has been the backbone of the Bengals’ defense, recording 11 sacks and 4 forced fumbles this season. His sudden absence, caused by a pelvis strain sustained in Week 15 against the Baltimore Ravens, has left a gaping hole in the defensive line and forced the Bengals to rely on backup players who have far less game experience. Trey Hendrickson's Pelvis Issue Challenges the Cincinnati Bengals Depth explores the impact of this injury, how the Bengals are scrambling to adjust, and why their ability to fill this void will shape their playoff chances.

The severity of Hendrickson’s pelvis injury lies in its impact on his ability to generate power and mobility—two traits that make him such a dominant pass rusher. A pelvis strain limits his ability to push off the line of scrimmage, bend to avoid blockers, and pursue quarterbacks on the move—all key parts of his playing style. Initial reports from the Bengals’ training staff suggest he could miss 2-3 weeks, a timeline that includes the regular-season finale and potentially the first round of the playoffs. For a player who has missed just two games in the last three seasons, this absence is a major disruption. In the first game without Hendrickson (Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers), the Bengals’ pass rush looked disjointed: they recorded just one sack and allowed quarterback Kenny Pickett to throw for 285 yards, including a 40-yard completion that set up a Steelers touchdown. “Trey doesn’t just get sacks—he draws double teams that open up opportunities for everyone else,” said defensive tackle D.J. Reader. Trey Hendrickson's Pelvis Issue Challenges the Cincinnati Bengals Depth emphasizes that this injury isn’t just about losing a single player; it’s about losing the defensive’s unit’s ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt opposing offenses.

To compensate for Hendrickson’s absence, the Bengals have turned to Sam Hubbard and Joseph Ossai—two backup defensive ends who now find themselves in starting roles. Hubbard, a sixth-year player, has shown flashes of potential, recording 6 sacks this season, but he lacks Hendrickson’s consistency and ability to draw double teams. Against the Steelers, Hubbard played 78% of the defensive snaps, recording 4 tackles and a QB hit, but he failed to generate the same level of pressure. Ossai, a third-year player, has even less experience: he’s played in just 12 games this season, mostly in rotational roles, and has yet to record a sack. His inexperience was on display against the Steelers, where he was flagged for a costly offside penalty that extended a Steelers’ scoring drive. “We’re asking Sam and Joseph to do something they haven’t had to do all season—lead the pass rush,” said defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. “It’s a big ask, but they’re working hard to step up.” Trey Hendrickson's Pelvis Issue Challenges the Cincinnati Bengals Depth highlights that while Hubbard and Ossai have the physical tools to succeed, they lack the game reps and confidence needed to replace a player of Hendrickson’s caliber.

The Cincinnati Bengals have also been forced to adjust their defensive scheme to mask the loss of Hendrickson, shifting from a four-man pass rush to more blitz packages that use linebackers and defensive backs. Against the Steelers, the Bengals called blitzes on 35% of their defensive snaps—up from their season average of 22%—in an attempt to generate pressure without their top pass rusher. While this strategy worked at times (they forced two turnovers), it also left the secondary vulnerable to deep passes. Pickett exploited this weakness with several long completions, including a 35-yard pass to wide receiver George Pickens that came after a failed blitz. “Blitzing more is a double-edged sword,” Anarumo admitted. “It can generate pressure, but it also opens up holes in coverage.” The Cincinnati Bengals’ secondary, already thin due to injuries, has struggled to keep up with these adjustments, leading to more big plays for opposing offenses. Trey Hendrickson's Pelvis Issue Challenges the Cincinnati Bengals Depth shows that the Cincinnati Bengals’ scheme changes are a short-term fix, but they come with significant risks that could be exploited by playoff-caliber quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson.

Another challenge for the Cincinnati Bengals is maintaining team morale amid the uncertainty of Hendrickson’s return. As one of the team’s most respected leaders, Hendrickson’s presence in the locker room and on the sideline has been a source of inspiration for his teammates. His absence has left a void not just on the field, but also in the team’s emotional dynamic. To counter this, the Bengals have had Hendrickson attend practices and games, where he provides encouragement to Hubbard and Ossai and offers input on defensive plays. “Trey’s still a big part of this team, even if he’s not playing,” said head coach Zac Taylor. “His leadership means a lot to the guys.” The Cincinnati Bengals have also leaned on other veteran players, like Reader and safety Jessie Bates III, to step up as leaders and keep the defense focused. Despite these efforts, there’s no denying that Hendrickson’s absence has shaken the team’s confidence. In a recent closed-door meeting, players discussed the need to “play for Trey” and prove that they can win even without their top pass rusher. Trey Hendrickson's Pelvis Issue Challenges the Cincinnati Bengals Depth underscores that the Cincinnati Bengals’ ability to maintain morale and focus will be just as important as their on-field adjustments in overcoming this injury.

The long-term impact of Hendrickson’s pelvis injury on the Cincinnati Bengals will depend largely on his recovery timeline and the team’s ability to adapt in the short term. If he returns for the playoffs, the Bengals’ defense could quickly revert to its dominant form, giving them a chance to compete with the AFC’s top teams. But if his absence extends into the postseason, the Bengals will face an uphill battle. Their backup defensive ends lack the experience to handle playoff pressure, and their adjusted scheme leaves them vulnerable to deep passes. For the Cincinnati Bengals, this injury is a reminder of the importance of depth—a lesson they’re learning the hard way. “We thought we had enough depth on the defensive line, but this injury has exposed some gaps,” said a Bengals front office executive. “It’s something we’ll need to address in the offseason.” Trey Hendrickson's Pelvis Issue Challenges the Cincinnati Bengals Depth concludes that the Cincinnati Bengals’ response to Hendrickson’s pelvis injury will define their season. If they can find a way to generate pass rush and maintain defensive consistency, they could still make a deep playoff run. But if they can’t fill this void, their championship aspirations could come to an abrupt end. One thing is clear: the next few weeks will be a true test of the Bengals’ resilience and depth.