The Cincinnati Bengals, now at 4-9 after a Week 14 loss to the Buffalo Bills, look like they'll miss the playoffs. Despite Joe Burrow's incredible late-season return, the Bengals aren't likely to make the playoffs.
While the Bengals are dealing with some issues on offense with Tee Higgins and Jermaine Burton, on defense, aside from the struggling unit, Trey Hendrickson has been dealing with a long-lasting injury.
Things got worse after Week 14, as NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reveals that Hendrickson, the veteran on a one-year deal, is facing season-ending surgery as he deals with a brutal hip injury.
Trey Hendrickson's injury update threatens season-ending surgery
"Bengals star DE Trey Hendrickson is set to visit Dr. William Meyers in Philadelphia's Vincera Institute as he weighs likely core muscle surgery, per me and Tom Pelissero," Rapoport reports. "Surgery would knock Hendrickson, battling what is called a hip injury, out for the season."
With Hendrickson considering season-ending surgery, the one-year, $29 million deal signed shortly before the season began turned out to be a miss for both sides.
While the Bengals didn't get a lot from Hendrickson as opposed to what they could've landed in return for a trade, Hendrickson is also not going to make as much as he was hoping for this offseason.
More: Clear suitor emerging for Bengals' Trey Hendrickson in NFL offseason
A veteran coming off core muscle surgery likely won't land the multi-year deal that he might've gotten if he were healthy all season long.
Now, not only did the Bengals miss out on a big opportunity to trade Hendrickson in the offseason, preseason, or even at the trade deadline, they likely won't land a strong compensatory pick thanks to his hip injury.
It's been a majorly disappointing year in Cincinnati, and this injury update on Hendrickson is just another bit of evidence that proves this season was a brutal one for the Bengals and their star pass rusher.
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- AFC North standings: How Steelers, Ravens, Bengals rank in division after Week 14
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