Bengals Facing Historic Struggles as Injuries Mount and Playoff Hopes Fade
The Cincinnati Bengals are in a tailspin, and the numbers back it up in the worst possible way. Their defense has been historically bad when it comes to covering tight ends - and that’s not hyperbole.
We're talking about a level of ineffectiveness that hasn’t been seen in the modern NFL era. Week after week, opposing tight ends are carving them up, turning routine seam routes into game-changing plays.
It’s a glaring issue that’s gone from concern to crisis, especially as the Bengals cling to the faintest thread of playoff hope.
And just when they needed a spark, the injury report delivered a gut punch: Trey Hendrickson is dealing with a worst-case scenario. The Bengals' top pass rusher has been one of the few bright spots on a defense that’s struggled to find consistency. Now, with his future this season in serious doubt, Cincinnati may be staring down another tough offseason negotiation - one that could get complicated depending on the severity and timeline of his recovery.
On the offensive side of the ball, things aren’t much better. Joe Burrow, sidelined with a season-ending wrist injury, has had to watch from the sidelines as the team’s postseason chances dwindle.
After the latest loss, Burrow didn’t mince words - this wasn’t the usual calm, confident No. 9.
He acknowledged the steep climb ahead, and the tone was unmistakably different. The Bengals are on the brink, and their franchise quarterback knows it.
Adding to the chaos, wide receiver/returner Jermaine Burton has been released. The raw talent was never the issue with Burton - it was about putting it all together. Unfortunately, it never fully clicked in Cincinnati, and the team has decided to move on.
Meanwhile, Tee Higgins is back in the concussion protocol - another blow to a receiving corps already stretched thin. His status for Sunday’s divisional clash with Baltimore is up in the air, and without him, the Bengals’ offense loses one of its most reliable playmakers.
Around the NFL: Injuries, Quarterback Moves, and MVP Buzz
Elsewhere in the league, the injury bug is making its rounds. Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is set to undergo surgery on a torn Achilles this week, ending a frustrating season for the former first-round pick. It’s a tough break for a player still trying to prove he can be the long-term answer in New York.
In Cleveland, the Browns have committed to Shedeur Sanders as their starting quarterback for the rest of the season. The rookie will get an extended look, and the Browns are hoping he can show enough to factor into their future plans.
Over in Kansas City, Patrick Mahomes raised some eyebrows with comments about Travis Kelce as the Chiefs navigate a rocky stretch. With the team’s season teetering, the quarterback’s remarks have sparked plenty of conversation about where the Chiefs go from here - and what’s happening behind the scenes.
In Pittsburgh, Aaron Rodgers has stepped in to defend Mike Tomlin, saying the Steelers’ win over the Ravens should quiet some of the outside noise. Rodgers made it clear: he wants the focus off his head coach and back on the field.
And in Dallas, Dak Prescott just picked up a surprise endorsement in the NFL MVP race. It’s the kind of unexpected backing that could add momentum to what’s already been a strong campaign for the Cowboys’ signal-caller.
Bottom Line
For the Bengals, the story right now is about survival. The injuries are piling up, the defense is leaking yards to tight ends at a historic rate, and the offense is without its leader. With the postseason slipping further out of reach, Cincinnati needs answers - fast.