What's Happening?
Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson has been officially declared inactive for the Thursday Night Football game against the Steelers due to a hip injury. Hendrickson, who was listed as questionable, did not participate in practice this week and missed
the second half of the previous game. Rookie edge rusher Shemar Stewart, returning from a four-game absence due to an ankle injury, is expected to take significant snaps in Hendrickson's place. Additionally, Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt is a surprising healthy scratch, having played 61 percent of defensive snaps in the previous five games. Other Bengals inactives include center Matt Lee, wide receiver Jermaine Burton, tight end Tanner Hudson (concussion), and defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson. The Steelers have also announced their inactives, including wide receiver Calvin Austin (shoulder), offensive guard Andrus Peat, defensive tackle Logan Lee, and defensive end DeMarvin Leal.
Why It's Important?
The absence of Trey Hendrickson is a significant blow to the Bengals' defense, as he has been a key player with 15 tackles, four sacks, eight quarterback hits, and a forced fumble in six games this season. His absence could impact the Bengals' ability to pressure the Steelers' offense, potentially altering the dynamics of the game. The decision to scratch Cam Taylor-Britt, despite his regular participation, suggests strategic adjustments by the Bengals' coaching staff. For the Steelers, facing a Bengals team without Hendrickson may provide an opportunity to exploit the weakened pass rush, potentially influencing the outcome of the game.
What's Next?
The Bengals will need to rely on their depth to compensate for Hendrickson's absence, with Shemar Stewart expected to play a crucial role. The coaching staff may need to adjust their defensive strategies to mitigate the impact of missing key players. The Steelers, on the other hand, might focus on capitalizing on the Bengals' defensive vulnerabilities. Both teams will announce their final inactive lists 90 minutes before kickoff, which could further influence game strategies.
