...
By Michael Gallagher
Sports Content Coordinator
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Cincinnati Bengals are in a precarious situation.
At 3-4, the team sits just 1.5 games behind the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) and Cincy is just one game out of the final playoff spot in the AFC, currently held by the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3).
But starting quarterback Joe Burrow is sidelined for at least the team’s next five games with a Grade 3 turf toe injury. Initial reports indicate the best-case scenario for Burrow’s return timeline is a Week 14 matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 7.
Read More on NFL
More Football: NFL Makes Final Decision on Punishment for Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes
But recent reports hint it may be closer to the middle of the month before the Pro Bowler is healthy enough to take the field, at which point it might be too late for Burrow to make any sort of difference in the Bengals’ playoff hunt.
But following the midseason trade for veteran QB Joe Flacco, and his 342-yard, three-touchdown performance in Thursday’s 33-31 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, some believe the Bengals could hang on long enough to be in the playoff hunt by the time Burrow comes back.
If that happens, it’s unlikely Cincinnati sells of any pieces to contending teams. But if they start piling up the losses, it’s possible the Bengals could acquire some draft capital for some of their assets, namely defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
More Football: Matthew Stafford Makes NFL History In International Series Game vs Jaguars
...
More Football: Lions Star Thumbs His Nose at NFL’s Warning Ahead of Buccaneers Game
As far as what the team is looking for in a potential Hendrickson trade, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport shed some light on what a possible trade package could look like.
“As far as on the trade front, this is very unlike the Cincinnati Bengals, if they continue to lose, to have some sort of a fire sale,” Rapoport said earlier this week. “That said, teams are going to call. I would expect Hendrickson to be a big-time trade target.
“As far as what it might take — what I am told is a young player who would help the Bengals this year and into the future and a future mid-round pick, if the Bengals are even willing to do it.”
Hendrickson is in the final year of his reworked contract that’s paying him close to $30 million.
It’s unlikely he will re-sign with the Bengals given their unwillingness to give him a new deal over the summer, and he’s projected to command $34.8 million on the open market, according to Spotrac.
More Football: NFL Team Willing to Part With All but 2 Players Ahead of Trade Deadline
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines