The Bengals are already behind the eight ball after losses to the Jets and Bears. Their defense remains in shambles, even with a potential Joe Burrow return on the horizon. And the news this week isn’t helping, especially when it comes to their anemic pass rush. It is looking like neither Shemar Stewart nor Trey Hendrickson will likely suit up for Cincinnati on Sunday for their matchup against the reeling Pittsburgh Steelers. Things appear to be going from bad to worse for an already maligned unit.
HENDRICKSON’S HIP STILL AN ISSUE – HE’S DOUTBFUL VS. PITTSBURGH
Trey Hendrickson was first injured week six versus the Packers. He tried to return against the Jets but only played for a part of the game and has been out ever since. The news hasn’t improved much as he still remains doubtful for this week’s game, and may not even practice.
Hendrickson leads the team with four sacks, followed by Joseph Ossai with three. The team has 22 total sacks on the year, which is actually in the middle of the pack for the league. However, quarterback pressures tell a different story, and the Bengals are yet again in the bottom five in the league in that category.
Hendrickson is the only one who has a track record of applying consistent pressure. Though he hasn’t been on the field for large chunks of this season, he is still the most reliable veteran we have and his absence makes a difference in a very negative way. With Hendrickson out and Shemar Stewart missing another game, it will once again fall to ends Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai to find some way to make Aaron Rodgers uncomfortable in the pocket. Rodgers was sacked three times last week in Pittsburgh’s loss to the Chargers, including one for a safety.
SHEMAR STEWART FACING A NEW INJURY AND IS OUT THIS WEEK
Rookie pass rusher Shemar Stewart has already faced a few different maladies during his young career. Earlier in the year it was his ankle, which led to a multi-game absence. Now, he has been listed as out for the Pittsburgh game, this time due to a knee injury. Zac Taylor has classified his injury as “week to week.”
For a player that was already behind in his progression due to a contract holdout, missing time due to multiple injuries is the last thing that Shemar Stewart needs. He was already classified as a “project” coming out of college due to his lack of statistical production, and to shed that label he needs to play as many snaps as possible to acclimate to the play style in the National Football League. These injuries are robbing him of the ability to build some continuity and confidence at a position that the Bengals need some real help at, as we all know.
