Trey Hendrickson’s Season-Ending Surgery Shocks Bengals
Trey Hendrickson’s season has come to an abrupt halt, leaving the Cincinnati Bengals facing uncertainty as they prepare for the offseason. The defensive end underwent core muscle surgery on Tuesday morning, a decision reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. As Hendrickson begins his recovery, he is expected to miss a minimum of six weeks, effectively sidelining him for the remainder of the year.
Contract Status and Future Implications
This surgery not only signals the end of Hendrickson’s current season but also casts a shadow over his future with the Bengals. The 28-year-old is in the final stages of a one-year contract, which was restructured earlier this season to include a significant $13 million salary increase. Hendrickson had initially sought a trade during the offseason, but ultimately opted to remain with the team when a revised deal was reached.
The injury that led to his surgery first flared up during a game against the Green Bay Packers, where he sustained the initial damage. Despite his efforts to manage the discomfort and continue playing, it became clear that the pain was unsustainable. The decision to undergo surgery reflects the severity of the situation, leaving the Bengals to navigate his potential departure.
Free Agency Questions Loom
As Hendrickson prepares for free agency in March, the Bengals are faced with critical decisions regarding his future. The team could explore extending his contract or potentially utilizing the franchise tag to retain him. When discussing the prospect of a franchise tag earlier in the offseason, Hendrickson acknowledged the evolving landscape of NFL salaries. “With the salaries going up and the tag also will be going up, so it’s not something that I’m concerned about,” he stated in August.
As the Bengals look to solidify their roster and prepare for next season, Hendrickson’s recovery and contract status will be pivotal points of discussion moving forward. The defensive stalwart’s contributions have been significant, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt on the field as Cincinnati strategizes for the challenges ahead.
