INJURY UPDATE: Bengals top defensive end returns to practice ahead of Week 4

The defensive end Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals made his practice debut on Friday after missing two days due to illness. Hendrickson’s comeback coincides with the Bengals’ critical Week 4 opponent preparation—the Carolina Panthers. His practice participation gives the Bengals much-needed hope that he will be ready to play on Sunday, which will be extremely encouraging as they look to win their first game of the year.

One of the Bengals’ most important defensive players, Hendrickson, had been missing earlier in the week, which made everyone wonder if he would be available for the next game. Hendrickson’s presence may make the difference in a game that Cincinnati desperately needs to win to avoid a 0–4 start. Cincinnati is now at 0–3. Hendrickson is the team’s main pass rusher, and his ability to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks has been a key component of the defense’s accomplishments.

 

 

 

 

Hendrickson cemented his status as one of the best edge rushers in the league in 2023 with 43 tackles and a career-high 17.5 sacks. His steady pressure on quarterbacks has been crucial for the Bengals defense, which has frequently faltered in his absence. The team’s pass rush has been weaker without Hendrickson in the lineup, which has left their secondary open to big plays. In addition to adding much-needed depth, his return to practice instills faith in the defense’s capacity to stymie opposing offenses.

 

 

 

 

Andy Dalton, a seasoned quarterback, will lead the Carolina Panthers, the Bengals’ Week 4 opponent, after Bryce Young was benched after a 0-2 start. In his season debut, Dalton looked amazing, throwing for 319 yards and three touchdowns to help the Panthers win for the first time. Cincinnati will need to use all of Hendrickson’s strength to exert pressure and force errors against a quarterback with more experience.

His health continues to be a major concern for the Bengals as they get ready for Sunday’s game. If he is cleared to play, his comeback might be the difference that saves Cincinnati from a worsening early-season skid and helps them win their first game.