Here’s a bold statement: Thursday Night Football just got a lot more unpredictable. Bengals star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is officially out, leaving a massive hole in their defense. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this the right call, or are the Bengals risking too much by sidelining their top pass rusher? Hendrickson, who’s been nursing a hip injury, missed the second half of Sunday’s game and didn’t practice all week, making his absence less of a surprise but no less impactful. And this is the part most people miss: his replacement, rookie Shemar Stewart, is returning from a four-game absence due to an ankle injury. Will Stewart step up, or will the Bengals’ pass rush suffer without their veteran leader?
Adding to the intrigue, cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt is a healthy scratch, a move that’s raising eyebrows across the league. Taylor-Britt, who started all 17 games last season and played 61% of defensive snaps in his five games this year, is suddenly on the sidelines. Is this a strategic decision, or a sign of deeper issues? The Bengals’ other inactives include center Matt Lee, wide receiver Jermaine Burton, tight end Tanner Hudson (concussion), and defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson.
On the Steelers’ side, wide receiver Calvin Austin (shoulder), offensive guard Andrus Peat, defensive tackle Logan Lee, and defensive end DeMarvin Leal are out. But let’s circle back to the Bengals—with Hendrickson and Taylor-Britt sidelined, are they setting themselves up for a tough night, or is this an opportunity for younger players to shine? What do you think? Is this a smart move by the Bengals, or are they playing with fire? Let us know in the comments—this is one game you won’t want to miss!
