Though it’s likely not a surprise to anyone, it’s now official: Trey Hendrickson is skipping mandatory practice with the Cininnati Bengals according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. He’s been asking for a new contract all offseason and has publicly vented his frustrations about the apparent obstinance of the Bengals front office, and now he will be missing vital portions of the offseason calendar.
Ironically, Hendrickson is not the only AFC North pass rusher to skip mandatory practice. J.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who is also looking for a new contract, was not seen at the start of Steelers minicamp, either.
What does this mean for the Bengals? Not much for now. It’s only June and there remains plenty of time for either party to give up a little ground and reach a deal. Perhaps the team finally gives him the raise he’s looking for now that they have a little extra cap space from releasing Germaine Pratt, or maybe Hendrickson accepts a little bit less. He may even play out the year on his original deal, despite publicly pledging not to.
It’s certainly concerning anytime a team leader and reigning NFL sack leader skips practices, but it’s too soon for Bengals fans to press the panic button.
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