CINCINNATI — The Bengals are preparing for their first AFC North matchup of the season against the Baltimore Ravens, but it’s uncertain whether star defensive end Trey Hendrickson will play.
Hendrickson was sidelined during Cincinnati’s victory over the Carolina Panthers last Sunday after suffering a neck stinger in the second half.
Head coach Zac Taylor mentioned on Wednesday that Hendrickson’s status is “hard to say” but noted the 29-year-old has shown “positive” progress. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported earlier in the week that Hendrickson’s injury did not result in any nerve damage.
Despite the setback, Hendrickson participated in Wednesday’s practice, though in a limited capacity, as noted in the Bengals’ injury report.
Additionally, the team has cleared defensive end Myles Murphy and defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson to return to practice. Murphy, recovering from a knee injury, was designated to return from IR on Aug. 27, while Jackson, also dealing with a knee injury, was placed on IR on Aug. 29. Both have resumed practice but have not yet been added to the 53-man roster.
As for other defensive injuries, Taylor gave updates on defensive tackles B.J. Hill and Sheldon Rankins, both recovering from hamstring issues. Hill, a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, is further along in his recovery than Rankins, who did not practice.
The Bengals and Ravens are set to kick off at 1 p.m. Sunday at Paycor Stadium.
