Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter announced on Friday that outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson would not play in Sunday’s matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Hendrickson, 31, suffered multiple fractures in a finger on his right hand in Week 1. He missed multiple practices but continued to play with a cast and virtually no drop in his production. This week, however, he missed all three practices while seeking a more permanent solution.
“We were able to get the finger fixed,” Minter explained.
“We think it’ll be very, very short term…think that’s going to be best for us moving forward, long-term.”
Hendrickson’s absence will open up more snaps on the blind side for second-year edge rusher Mike Green. The 2025 second-round pick flashed in Week 2 against the Saints but has otherwise been quiet to start what was expected to be a breakout sophomore campaign. Rookie Zion Young, another second-rounder, could also see more pass-rushing opportunities after showcasing his physical run defense to in his first three NFL games. Undrafted rookie Ethan Burke will also be brought into Minter’s game day plans for the first time this year.
Injuries were among the top concerns when the Ravens gave Hendrickson $60 million in fully guaranteed money this spring. He was dominant when healthy in 2023 and 2024, but he missed time in every previous season and played just seven games last year before undergoing core muscle surgery.
But even with a broken finger, Hendrickson has looked worth every penny. He has 14 pressures – four in Week 1 and 10 across the next two games with a cast on his right hand – which ranks sixth in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. His 16.3% pass rush win rate also leads Baltimore’s defensive line. Next Gen Stats ranks Hendrickson as the league’s fourth-best edge rusher in both categories, too.
By getting surgery done now, Hendrickson is hoping that his finger can fully heal and not bother him down the stretch of the season. Minter’s specific wording indicates that the team needed some time to evaluate the fracture and determine the best long-term fix.
The Ravens will release their final Week 4 injury report later this afternoon, which will provide information on the status of other players who could miss Sunday’s game like left tackle Ronnie Stanley.
