Bengals DE Hendrickson to undergo core muscle surgery, expected to miss six weeks

The Cincinnati Bengals will be without star defensive end Trey Hendrickson for approximately six weeks due to core muscle surgery.

Why it matters: Hendrickson's absence is a significant blow to a struggling Bengals defense, which has already seen better days this season.

• With a record of 4-9, Cincinnati finds itself three games behind the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers.
• Hendrickson was a pivotal player last season, leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks and earning a Pro Bowl selection for the fourth consecutive year.

What’s new: Sources indicate that Hendrickson has been grappling with an undisclosed issue that has kept him out of action for the last five games.

• Initially diagnosed with a back injury during Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers, the injury was later identified as a hip issue.
• After making a brief return in Week 8 against the New York Jets, he re-aggravated the injury and has not participated in practice or games since.

Yes, but: The impact of his absence extends beyond mere statistics; it also affects the team’s morale and defensive strategy.

• As one of the key figures in the Bengals' pass rush, Hendrickson's ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be sorely missed.
• Coach Zac Taylor expressed concern about Hendrickson's situation, stating, "It's kind of all that," hinting at the complexities of dealing with injuries in professional sports.

What to watch: In Hendrickson’s absence, other players on the roster will need to step up to fill the void.

• The Bengals will likely rely more heavily on their remaining defensive linemen to maintain pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
• This situation could lead to increased responsibilities for younger players looking to prove themselves in the league.

The big picture: Hendrickson's contract negotiations earlier this year underscore the stakes involved.

• After requesting a trade and holding out during training camp, he ultimately agreed to a $14 million raise, boosting his potential yearly salary to $30 million.
• Notably, his contract includes a clause that will result in $6.5 million in dead money against the salary cap for the 2026 season if voided five days after the Super Bowl.

The bottom line: As the Bengals navigate the remainder of the season without Hendrickson, they will need to recalibrate their defensive strategies while hoping for a successful recovery and return from their star player.