The Bengals’ defensive plan for Chicago may not include Trey Hendrickson , who is listed as doubtful due to a hip issue that has recently aggravated. The timing turns his status into a dual storyline, health and deadline, with fans wondering if this could be his last week in stripes or simply a pause before the stretch run.

Adam Schefter reported that Cincinnati has told teams it does not intend to trade Hendrickson; however, some around the league believe a loss to the Bears that drops the Bengals to 3-6 could test that stance. The message is firm today; the result could determine if it stays that way.

Context matters here. Hendrickson’s production remains premium, and Cincinnati’s path in a muddled AFC North keeps the door open if they stack wins, which is why the default posture i

See Full Page