Trey Hendrickson, the all-world defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals, is playing an uphill battle. A major injury will certainly do so, but that could happen under any circumstances. After originally being diagnosed with a back injury after the Week 6 meeting with the Green Bay Packers, Hendrickson’s situation worsened. Unfortunately, he reaggravated the injury and had to sit out for the remainder of that game. As the season progressed, additional tests revealed an advanced hip condition. The pain that had spread around the back led to the decision for Hendrickson to have core muscle surgery.
Hendrickson continues the impressive season he was having before getting hurt. He terrorized opposing QBs and defenders in the NFL, boasting a ridiculous 17.5 sacks. His outstanding performance helped earn him a trip to the Pro Bowl for the fourth straight season. Over the course of this season, his performances made him one of the league’s elite defensive players. These recent developments are a tough blow for Hendrickson and especially for the Bengals.
That injury saga opened when Jackson overextended for a game-saving interception against Green Bay. That’s when Hendrickson initially incurred what everyone assumed was a back injury. After missing the second half of that game, his health only worsened. As the weeks passed, it became clear that the problem ran deeper than initially expected. By Week 15 Hendrickson already found out that he wouldn’t be playing against the Baltimore Ravens. This unexpected news spurred him on to consult with a specialist.
The diagnosis revealed extensive damage to Hendrickson’s left hip and pelvis. This conclusion was corroborated by the team’s injury report. Since that ill-fated contest in Week 6, he has missed every practice and game since. This absence wears heavy questions as to if he could return this season.
After careful consideration, Hendrickson is scheduled to undergo an operation to correct the core muscle condition. In about six weeks, he should be back to normal. That remains to be seen, as it casts doubt on his prospects of returning in time for the playoffs. Given this sad timeline, all signs point to Hendrickson’s season being done.
This year has been a stormy one for Hendrickson outside of the training room as well. He dealt with plenty of adversity off the field too, including a trade demand and a contract dispute with the Bengals organization. That contract will become null and void five days after the next Super Bowl. This has added another layer of uncertainty about his future with the team.
Hendrickson’s contributions have been vital to the Bengals’ defense, and his absence will be felt significantly in the coming weeks as the team looks to solidify its playoff position. Now, the organization and fans alike will anxiously await updates on his recovery and potential return.
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