Trey Hendrickson ends his holdout, returning to Bengals camp in July 2025. Get the latest on his contract status and Zack Moss's shocking injury bombshell.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The long wait is over. Star defensive end Trey Hendrickson ended his contract holdout and reported to Bengals training camp on Tuesday, a massive sigh of relief for a team and fanbase that had been holding its collective breath. While the All-Pro pass rusher is back on the field without the contract extension he was seeking, his presence immediately elevates a defense with championship aspirations.
It was a broken neck... more severe than initially reported.
Despite an NFL insider labeling the situation 'unpredictable,' Trey Hendrickson chose team over contract, for now. His return is a monumental boost for a defensive line that relies on his relentless pressure. While the front office and Hendrickson's agent will continue to work behind the scenes, Coach Zac Taylor can now game plan with his most disruptive defensive player on the field. For a team aiming to reclaim the AFC North, getting #91 back in the fold as camp intensifies is the biggest win of the summer.
While Hendrickson's return dominated headlines, running back Zack Moss dropped a bombshell of his own. He revealed that the neck injury that ended his 2024 season was, in fact, a broken neck—far more serious than anyone knew. The fact that he's been fully cleared and is participating in camp is nothing short of remarkable and speaks to his toughness. His health is paramount for a backfield in transition. The team did place center Seth McLaughlin on the Active/Non-Football Injury list with an undisclosed issue, a minor setback but a reminder of the fragility of an NFL roster.
As the Bengals' good news rolled in, their chief rival suffered a devastating blow. Cleveland Browns starting cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. was carted off the field with a likely season-ending Achilles injury. With the Bengals set to face the Browns in Week 1, the loss of a key defensive starter for Cleveland could significantly alter the matchup. Meanwhile, the Bengals are humming, with Joe Burrow in command of the offense and Tee Higgins earning a well-deserved spot on the NFL's Top 100 list, reinforcing the firepower Cincinnati brings to the fight.
Even with their stars returning, the Bengals front office continues to churn the bottom of the roster. The team is reportedly considering a workout for a former UFL standout to add depth to the defensive line. This move signals that the team is committed to building a formidable rotation behind Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard, ensuring the pass rush can stay fresh not just for Week 1, but for a deep playoff run.
With Hendrickson back in the building, the Bengals' defense feels whole again, at least for now. The focus shifts to getting him up to speed while his long-term contract remains the elephant in the room. As camp continues, all eyes will be on the health of the roster and the looming Week 1 clash against a now-vulnerable Browns team. The path to a third straight season sweep of Cleveland may have just gotten a little clearer.
