The Cincinnati Bengals could be on the verge of a major roster shake-up. With their playoff hopes fading and injuries piling up, head coach Zac Taylor could soon find himself at a crossroads: should he try to save the season or start planning for what’s next? Trey Hendrickson’s hip injury during Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers has left a noticeable void in Cincinnati’s defense. This situation has sparked discussions about potential trade rumors.  

The injury kept him off the practice field all week. The Bengals felt his absence against a division rival that’s already at the top of the standings. But the situation goes beyond just his injury. NFL insider Jeff Kerr reported that the Bengals might start looking into trade options for Hendrickson if their losing streak continues.

“Teams badly need a pass rusher, and Hendrickson has the pedigree of an elite one,” Kerr noted. “He has 4.0 sacks, 23 pressures, and a 14.5% pressure rate this season, perhaps needing to play for a contender in the final year of his contract.”  He also mentioned that “Hendrickson may be the best player available at the deadline.”

Ian Rapoport from NFL Network confirmed that the injury isn’t serious, as the MRI results came back clear. However, for the trade, Ian added, “As far as on the trade front, this is very unlike the Cincinnati Bengals. If they continue to lose, they will have some sort of a fire sale. That said, teams are going to call out and expect Henderson to be a big-time trade target as far as what it might take.”

Now, Taylor is faced with a pivotal decision. Hold on to declining playoff hopes or trade one of his top defenders before the trade deadline hits. Either way, the next step could significantly impact Cincinnati’s season and its future.

Currently, the Bengals are sitting at 3-4 after their win over the Steelers. But still find themselves in an unusual position. With Joe Burrow out due to injury, the team is in danger of falling out of the playoff race. 

Joe Burrow eyes mid-December comeback as Flacco lifts Bengals over Steelers

The Cincinnati Bengals pulled off a thrilling 33-31 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night, but the real buzz is about the player who wasn’t even on the field: Joe Burrow. The quarterback is currently in recovery from a turf toe injury that has sidelined him since Week 2, leaving veteran Joe Flacco to take the reins in his absence.

Burrow had surgery last month and was placed on injured reserve. Injuries have been a recurring issue for Burrow. From tearing his ACL, PCL, and MCL as a rookie to missing the latter half of the 2023 season due to a wrist ligament tear. Still, not everyone is feeling optimistic. Ian Rapoport mentioned during Thursday Night Football that Burrow is making solid progress. “He (Burrow) is on track, doing well, and no setbacks,” Rapoport noted. “If he continues in that direction, he should be back on the field in mid-December.”

However, Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer cautioned, “They’re saying three months, I don’t see three months being an actual timeline… It’s such a difficult injury to return from.”

In the meantime, Joe Flacco stepped up when it mattered. The seasoned quarterback threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Bengals to a vital win. “He has 18 years of experience playing these games,” head coach Zac Taylor remarked. “It’s easy for him … because he’s putting in the work.”

Flacco described the game as “a lot of fun,” giving credit to his offensive line for their hard work. Star receiver Ja’Marr Chase echoed his thoughts. “Honestly, just coming in and being a veteran and just knowing the coverages and knowing what’s his answer—I think that’s his best read,” he said. 

With Burrow aiming for a mid-December return, Cincinnati’s playoff aspirations may hinge on Flacco’s steady performance until QB1 is back in action.