With Joe Burrow back in the lineup, the Cincinnati Bengals got a much-needed win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13. But just as the offense starts to find its rhythm again, the defense is taking another hit - and it’s a big one. Star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson has officially been ruled out for the Bengals' Week 14 showdown with the Buffalo Bills.
Hendrickson’s been battling a hip injury that’s already sidelined him for the last three games. And while Cincinnati hasn’t placed him on injured reserve - a sign they’re hopeful for a return soon - his absence looms large, especially with the Bills and their high-powered offense up next.
Let’s be clear: Hendrickson isn’t just another name on the depth chart. He’s the engine of this Bengals pass rush.
In just seven games this season, he’s racked up 16 tackles, eight quarterback hits, and four sacks. That’s not eye-popping at first glance, but context matters - he’s coming off back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons.
When he’s on the field, opposing quarterbacks feel it. When he’s not, it shows.
And that’s exactly the problem for Cincinnati heading into Week 14. The Bengals defense is currently ranked dead last in the NFL, giving up a whopping 410 yards per game.
That’s not a typo. Meanwhile, Buffalo rolls in with the league’s second-ranked offense, averaging 381 yards per contest.
Without Hendrickson to disrupt timing and force hurried throws, the Bengals' chances of slowing down that Bills attack take a serious hit.
It’s not just about the sacks with Hendrickson - it’s about the pressure. He draws double teams, collapses pockets, and forces quarterbacks off their spots.
That ripple effect helps the rest of the defense, from linebackers to corners. Without him, Cincinnati has struggled to generate consistent pressure, and that’s a dangerous game to play against a quarterback like Josh Allen.
There’s also a long-term layer to this. Hendrickson’s contract situation will be one of the Bengals’ biggest storylines this offseason.
He’s proven he’s one of the league’s premier edge rushers, and keeping him in Cincinnati won’t come cheap. But that’s a conversation for down the road.
Right now, the focus is on getting him healthy - and fast.
Until then, the Bengals’ defense will need to find a way to hold the line. Because if they’re going to make any kind of late-season push, they’ll need more than just Burrow’s arm. They’ll need their best defensive player back on the field, wreaking havoc like only he can.