Will the Bengals' defensive powerhouse, Trey Hendrickson, take the field against the Steelers? That's the million-dollar question looming over Cincinnati as they prepare for their Thursday night showdown. His absence could significantly impact their pass rush, but there's also good news brewing.
As of the latest injury report, Hendrickson's status is officially 'questionable.' This means his availability is up in the air. A nagging hip injury kept him sidelined during all three practice sessions this week, raising concerns about his ability to perform at his peak, or even play at all. Hendrickson has been a force to be reckoned with this season, already racking up 4.0 sacks, three tackles for loss, and eight quarterback hits. Losing him, even for a single game, would be a major blow to the Bengals' defensive line.
But here's a silver lining: Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart is poised to make his return! After being sidelined since Week 2 with an ankle injury, Stewart has been a full participant in practices all week. While he only has two total tackles to his name so far this season, his return provides much-needed depth and a potentially disruptive presence on the defensive line. Think of it as a chance for the rookie to really shine and prove his worth.
And this is the part most people miss: the injury report extends beyond just the defensive line. The Bengals have already placed tight end Mike Gesicki on injured reserve earlier in the week. To add to the tight end woes, Tanner Hudson is also out due to a concussion. This significantly weakens their options in the passing game near the endzone and limits their blocking schemes.
The injury bug continues to bite, with receiver Charlie Jones (ribs) and guard Lucas Patrick (calf) also listed as questionable. Patrick's situation is particularly tricky because he needs to be officially activated to the 53-man roster before he can even be considered to play. This adds another layer of complexity to the Bengals' roster decisions.
However, there is some positive news on the offensive line. Guard Dylan Fairchild and offensive lineman Amarius Mims are both off the injury report and are fully expected to play. Their availability provides some much-needed stability up front, which is crucial for protecting quarterback Joe Burrow and establishing a running game.
So, what does this all mean for the Bengals against the Steelers? They face a tough challenge, especially if Hendrickson is unable to play. But the return of Stewart and the availability of Fairchild and Mims offer some cause for optimism. The key will be how well the Bengals can adapt and overcome these challenges. Do you think the Bengals can overcome these injuries and secure a victory against their division rival, the Steelers? Or will the injury woes prove too much to handle? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!
