"CINCINNATI -- Amid a year full of unfavorable results, there was a small bit of solace for the Cincinnati Bengals defensive line as it prepared for its second game against the Baltimore Ravens. As the unit prepped for the second matchup in three games against its AFC North rival, a key piece of inside information was shared -- even with All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson sidelined for the season, Baltimore was not looking past Cincinnati's front. "They had some guys up there that they were worried about on the [defensive] line -- and that's good," Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai said. "That's huge. That's what we want every week.""
"Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowler, will be a free agent after a year filled with injuries and contract disputes. Ossai, who has a team-high five sacks, will also be a free agent. If Cincinnati wants to rebuild the roster around star quarterback Joe Burrow, finding key pass rushers for 2026 and beyond will be a major part of that conversation. "Those are more offseason questions," coach Zac Taylor said. "Guys that can attack the quarterback, make it uncomfortable on every passing down, do a great job against the run. I mean, I'm describing Pro Bowl players." Even if Taylor wanted to be vague in his description, it was a telling one. Hendrickson has been Cincinnati's lone defensive Pro Bowler since Geno Atkins earned the last of his eight nods in 2019."
Cincinnati's defensive line received recognition from the Baltimore Ravens despite a difficult season and injuries. Trey Hendrickson is sidelined for the season and will be a free agent, and Joseph Ossai also becomes a free agent after recording a team-high five sacks. The Bengals must consider adding impact pass rushers to support quarterback Joe Burrow and rebuild the roster for 2026 and beyond. Coach Zac Taylor emphasized the need for players who can pressure the quarterback, disrupt passing downs and perform well against the run. Hendrickson remains the team's lone recent defensive Pro Bowler since Geno Atkins.
Read at ESPN.com
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