Struggle for Bengals' defensive unit as they suffer significant setback due to injury
Cincinnati Bengals: A New Season with Key Developments
The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for the 2025 season, with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty surrounding the team.
One of the most promising additions to the roster is Daijahn Anthony, a safety who was selected in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Anthony, who played college football at Ole Miss, is expected to have a significant role this season, with the Bengals hoping he will have a breakout year. However, Anthony is currently nursing a hamstring injury and will start the season on injured reserve. The specifics of his return to the field are yet to be determined.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Anthony's injury, the Bengals' defense has been bolstered by the return of Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson, the team's star linebacker, led the NFL in sacks during the 2024 season and has recently agreed to a massive new contract worth approximately $14 million more. The hold-in situation that had been causing some concern has been resolved, and Hendrickson is now a permanent fixture on the Bengals' roster.
Hendrickson's return is a significant boost for the Bengals, who were rumored to be open to trading him due to contract negotiations. However, those plans have been averted, and the team will be able to rely on Hendrickson's impressive form from the last two years, where he posted 35 total sacks.
The Bengals' goal for the 2025 season is to return to the AFC Playoffs. They will begin their campaign on September 7 against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. Hendrickson, despite missing training camp activities, showed up to support his team and is eager to contribute to the team's success.
Daijahn Anthony's injury is not expected to impact the team's early season schedule, as he is not expected to miss much time. The Bengals will be hoping that, once he returns to full fitness, he can provide the team with the boost they need to achieve their goal of returning to the playoffs.
Looking back, it's worth noting that the Bengals have come a long way since the first Super Bowl halftime show in 1993, when Michael Jackson performed at Super Bowl XXVII. The team is now focused on the present and the future, with a talented roster and high expectations for the 2025 season.
