Getting healthier along the defensive line is the quickest way that the Cincinnati Bengals' entire defense can improve dramatically. That's critical with the Baltimore Ravens' rushing attack coming to town this weekend.

The Bengals have played just one full game this year with all four starters up front, and depth has been a constant issue since the beginning of the preseason. Fortunately, there's a good chance that depth will be enhanced by the time Sunday arrives.

Let's breakdown where the Bengals' defensive line stands in terms of injuries, and other developments.

Trey Hendrickson seems to have avoided the worst

Head coach Zac Taylor told reporters Monday afternoon that Hendrickson suffered a stinger Sunday afternoon. The three-time Pro Bowler collided with teammate Sam Hubbard during the fourth quarter of the Bengals' 34-24 win over the Carolina Panthers. He was down on the field for several minutes before being helped off to the sideline. 

Fortunately, Hendrickson was seen not wearing a sling in the locker room Monday, and Taylor said they'll "see where the week takes us there." 

Hendrickson was not wearing a sling today in the locker room and seemed in good spirits. #Bengals

— Laurel Pfahler (@LaurelPfahler) September 30, 2024

Hendrickson is one of the toughest players on the roster and has played through injury several times for the Bengals. Even if he doesn't practice at all this week, he's one of the few players who could push through on Sunday and suit up. 

Status quo remains for B.J. Hill, Sheldon Rankins

B.J. Hill was almost that exception this past week as he was a game-time decision who didn't play in Carolina. Hill has missed the past two weeks with a hamstring injury, but remains, according to Taylor, ahead of Sheldon Rankins in terms of his recovery. Rankins suffered a hamstring injury the same day Hill did during Week 2's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Taylor gave the same update for Hill and Rankins as he did with Hendrickson. We're not going to know more until practice begins on Wednesday.

Stock up for Kris Jenkins Jr. 

Kris Jenkins is now two games into his NFL career, and the early results have been promising. Cincinnati's second-round pick underwent thumb surgery prior to Week 1 and missed the first two games of the season. He's since been playing with a club covering his right hand to protect his recovering thumb. 

Jenkins averaged 23 snaps per game during his first two games. Taylor has seen enough in those eight quarters to get him on the field more often, club and all.

"We've gained more and more confidence," Taylor said of Jenkins. "There were a lot of unknowns with him coming off the surgery and playing with the club, and the more evidence that has shown up on the tape, the more it shows we can believe in him. And it's not a matter of believing in him, because he showed that during training camp, it's just a matter of how you're going to come off the surgery with the way he's got to use it right now.

"And I think we've seen enough through two games where he deserves a lot of opportunity. There's a lot of trust there."

With Hill and Rankins' statuses still up in the air, expect Jenkins to play more and help boost the interior of the defensive line. 

Incoming clearance for McKinnley Jackson, Myles Murphy

On top of Jenkins playing more often, he's set to be joined by fellow rookie defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson and second-year edge rusher Myles Murphy in practice this week. Taylor said that they'll open the 21-day practice window for both of them later in the week to see where they're at.

Jackson and Murphy can each be activated off the Reserve/Injured list starting this week, but that's a different move than simply clearing them to practice. Once they begin practicing, the team has three weeks (21 days) to activate them off I.R. 

It's a positive sign that both Jackson and Murphy are ready to practice. Whether they'll play this week remains to be seen, but progress is indeed progress.

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