As the Cincinnati Bengals are looking to get back on track and have a bounce-back season, they first have to worry about getting back their premier edge rushers, Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor offered an injury timeline for Hubbard and Hendrickson during a recent practice.
Taylor said that both edge rushers are considered week-to-week, which doesn't mean they'll be back anytime soon, but the good news is that their injuries are not serious. Hendrickson is dealing with a chest bruise, while Hubbard is dealing with a knee injury. Both players have been present at training camp, walking around and looking at their other teammates go through drills as they try to return from their injuries.
Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson won't be rushed back to practice
Even though having Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson would be a plus for the Bengals, Taylor is making sure that they are not rushed back on the field after giving his update on both players.
“Nothing this week,” Taylor said when giving an update on both players. “Will kind of take it week-to-week right now with [Sam], so we'll be slow to go with both those guys… Wouldn't expect anything through this week and then we'll revisit next week but give him time and Trey both time to recover. They're known quantities, what we got in them, so not gonna rush either one of those guys back.”
Hendrickson had arguably the best season of his career last year, registering a career-high 17.5 sacks with 16 tackles for loss and 25 quarterback hits. Hubbard was able to help out as well last season, registering six sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 17 quarterback hits. While both guys are nursing injuries, the other edge rushers on the depth chart will have the opportunity to showcase what they have and possibly earn more playing time.
Taylor sounds like he doesn't mind if either player is available for any of the preseason games, but what really matters is they can be ready to suit up for the first regular season game against the New England Patriots.
The Bengals were hit with the injury bug last season as well, and it crawled over to their franchise quarterback Joe Burrow who missed most of the season after suffering a torn ligament in his right wrist. Cincinnati surely wants to come into this season healthy, since the competition in the AFC North will be high with the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Browns having good rosters.
The Bengals offense will be good with Burrow under center and Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins leading the wide receivers, but the defense is what will make the biggest difference for the team. Having Hubbard and Hendrickson will take them to the next level, and get them back to where they were before the down season in 2023.
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