Trey Hendrickson Set to Play for Bengals Despite Injury and Personal Issues

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson is cleared to play in the team’s Week 11 Sunday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, despite facing several challenges this week. Hendrickson was listed as questionable due to a neck injury and personal reasons that prevented him from traveling with the team initially.

Hendrickson did not participate in the final two days of practice and was added to the injury report on Wednesday. However, he made the trip to Los Angeles separately and is expected to be on the field for the crucial matchup. The Bengals’ coaching staff and the Brown family played a significant role in ensuring Hendrickson’s availability, addressing his personal matters behind the scenes.

Despite his readiness to play, there are concerns about the extent of his involvement due to the neck injury. If Hendrickson is limited, the Bengals will rely on other defensive ends such as Sam Hubbard, Myles Murphy, and Joseph Ossai to fill the gap and pressure Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.

In the first half of the Sunday Night Football game, Hendrickson was involved in a controversial call when he was penalized for roughing the passer on Justin Herbert. The penalty, which many deemed incorrect, contributed to the Chargers’ 19-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, extending their lead to 24-6. Fans and Hendrickson himself expressed frustration over the call, as a horse-collar tackle when the quarterback is in the pocket is not considered an illegal move).