The Cincinnati Bengals are 4-9, and need a miniature miracle to win the AFC North and earn a playoff spot. The chances of that happening look even more slim now, as it has been reported that Trey Hendrickson is out for the season after getting core surgery.
"Trey Hendrickson had core muscle surgery this morning, source said," Ian Rapoport reports. "His season is over, but he should be fully recovered in 6 or so weeks."
Hendrickson is in the final year of his deal, and will become a free agent in 2026. With the surgery ending his season, combined with the multiple standoffs he's had with the organization over money and contracts, we have very likely seen the last of him in a Bengals uniform.
The star edge rusher made the most out of his time with the Bengals. He signed as a free agent in 2021, helping Cincinnati make it to the Super Bowl in his first season with the franchise. From 2021-24, he was a Pro Bowler every season and led the NFL in sacks in 2024.
Hendrickson is 31, and the Bengals have already invested big-money contracts in Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. It would be difficult to see them giving the oft-injured pass rusher a big contract, especially when they didn't over the last two offseasons.
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