Main Photo: Mark Hoffman Imagn Images

'Cheap Shot' – Trey Hendrickson Injury Could Complicate Trade Talks After Bengals Loss

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By David Latham | Last updated Oct 26, 2025 5:38 PM ET

The Cincinnati Bengals lost a heartbreaker to the New York Jets and could choose to trade star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson following the loss. Joe Flacco is playing well in Joe Burrow’s absence, but he can’t compensate for this terrible defense. With the trade deadline fast approaching and the 3-5 Bengals unlikely to make the playoffs, it only makes sense for Cincinnati to start selling some of its best pieces.

Trey Hendrickson is easily the biggest trade piece on the Bengals, but they may not be able to deal him. The best ability is availability, and Hendrickson re-aggravated his hip injury during the loss to the Jets. While Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz says it’s “not significant,” the reporter also notes that he suffered the ailment on what appeared to be a cheap shot.

Oct 26, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) runs out to the field before the game against the New York Jets at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Trey Hendrickson Suffers Hip Injury As Trade Talks Increase

The Trey Hendrickson situation is one to monitor, as there are strong arguments for and against a trade. On the one hand, Cincinnati doesn’t stand much of a shot at the postseason, and even if they do sneak in, they probably won’t go far with this defense. Hendrickson is a great player, but he can’t make up for the other weak links on the defense and the subpar scheme. He’s in the final year of his contract and, given his history with the team, it’s hard to envision Cincinnati extending him in the offseason. With the 2025 season likely being a lost cause, the Bengals might as well maximize their return for the star defender.

On the other hand, this injury could destroy Trey Hendrickson’s trade value. Hendrickson is on the older side, and this is the second time he’s battled a hip injury this year. The pass rusher is a game wrecker when healthy, but would a team give up a high draft pick for damaged goods? If nobody’s offering anything good, the Bengals might as well hold onto Hendrickson and see if they can sneak into the playoffs.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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