The surging Bengals took a big hit Sunday when their leading pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson, suffered a broken wrist during their win over the Browns, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Despite the injury, Hendrickson finished the game, ensuring a win for the Bengals.
Hendrickson currently leads the team in both sacks and quarterback hits with six and 22, respectively.
Hendrickson combines with starting defensive end Sam Hubbard to form one the league’s more pressuring duos. Between the two, they total 11.5 sacks, 39 quarterback hits, and 16 tackles for loss.
While Hendrickson’s pace of sack production has been slower than last season’s 14.0-sack performance, he is still a leader on Cincinnati’s defense and will be a tough player to replace.
Despite Hendrickson playing through the injury Sunday, most believe the injury will hold him out for a few weeks.
Without Hendrickson, the Bengals will turn to Joseph Ossai. A third-round pick who missed his rookie season with a meniscus injury last year, Ossai has done a decent job in relief work behind Hendrickson and Hubbard this season.
Ossai has racked up two sacks, two tackles for loss, and five quarterback hits despite only playing about 25% of the team’s defensive snaps.
Cincinnati also rosters Cameron Sample and Jeff Gunter, who could be available to rush the passer in Hendrickson’s absence.
The Bengals will hope to see Hendrickson return to play in time for late-season matchups against the Bills and Ravens that could very well decided the AFC North.
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