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Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson has been cleared to play in the team’s Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets at Paycor Stadium.
Hendrickson, who had been listed as questionable with a hip injury, missed two games after getting hurt during the second quarter of the Bengals’ Week 6 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport,
"DE Trey Hendrickson, who missed last week's game with a hip injury, is good to go for Sunday,"
#Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson, who missed last week's game with a hip injury, is good to go for Sunday, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 26, 2025The 2024 NFL sacks leader sat out the Bengals’ 33–31 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7, where the defense struggled to create pressure.
“The Bengals’ pass rush without Hendrickson was a non-factor,” Thursday Night Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit said during the broadcast. Hendrickson returned to practice this week, participating in portions of drills but skipping the more demanding sessions.
Despite speculation about a potential trade, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Bengals have no plans to move Hendrickson, even with interest from the San Francisco 49ers.
He currently has 15 tackles, 4.0 sacks, and one forced fumble through six appearances this season and is expected to start opposite Joseph Ossai. Two other Cincinnati defensive ends, Cam Sample (knee) and Cedric Johnson (calf), remain questionable for Sunday’s 1 p.m. kickoff.
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Bengals banking on Hendrickson’s return to spark struggling defense
Hendrickson’s comeback arrives at a crucial moment for a Cincinnati defense that has faltered through the first half of the season. The Bengals have surrendered an average of 30.6 points per game, the second most in the NFL, after allowing 25.5 points per game last year.
Despite those issues, Hendrickson remained one of the few bright spots in 2024, earning his first first-team All-Pro selection and fourth Pro Bowl nod following a league-leading 17.5 sacks.
Since joining Cincinnati in 2021 after being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2017, Hendrickson has been one of the NFL’s most consistent pass rushers. His return provides a major boost for a team aiming to stabilize its defense and build momentum heading into the midseason stretch.
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