Trey Hendrickson backed up his words before saying anything during first day at Bengals training camp
Hendrickson is back with a goal aside from getting paid.
Trey Hendrickson’s first day at Cincinnati Bengals training camp when about as good as expected.
A new contract extension has not been signed, nor was the All-Pro defensive out there wearing his jersey and pads, but Hendrickson’s presence was felt in a positive way Wednesday morning outside Paycor Stadium.
Just as he envisioned when he decided to come back to town.
Trey Hendrickson explains his purpose for coming back to Bengals training camp
Hendrickson returning to become a bystander for practices has a certain look to it. Ja’Marr Chase provided it last year, and his hold-in ended up being a detriment to how Cincinnati started the season. When one of the team’s very best players is looking to get paid and more attention is on him than anything else, you’d have to stretch like Reed Richards to avoid calling it what it looks like: a distraction.
It’s the exact opposite of Hendrickson intends to be.
“What I’m not going to do is, as best as I can, avoid being a distraction,” Hendrickson told reporters after practice. “I want to help the guys. You know, the guys that have helped me along the way, Demario Davis, Cam Jordan, even Sam Hubbard helped me a lot when I was here. So to be that right now, that’s what’s most important. And this narrative will kind of iron itself out as we continue to progress towards the season.”
Actions, like they always do, speak louder than words. Hendrickson’s comments came after doing exactly what he said he wanted to do earlier in the day.
The start of Bengals practices include individual position drills with the defensive line putting in work on the field closest to the indoor practice facility and furthest away from the stadium. Media members are stationed as far away as possible from this section of the practice area.
That’s where Hendrickson was to start; helping out first-round pick Shemar Stewart work through his third-ever NFL practice with tips of his own.
If there’s anyone with a similar job description in need of Hendrickson’s guidance and leadership, it’s the 21-year old who just went through his own contract dispute and has plenty of catching up to accomplish.
“Cam Jordan was so valuable to me when I was, you know, maturing in the NFL, and I feel like he’s in that state,” Hendrickson said of Stewart. “So if I can help him in any way, that’s my goal for being here.”
Progress with Stewart will come, as it will between ownership and Hendrickson. Both sides envision a new deal being reached before Week 1 arrives on Sept. 7. In the meantime, Hendrickson will look to keep his word and help where he can while his future is being handled.
Cincinnati Bengals News
Bengals cut ties with veteran playmaker in order to make room for disgruntled pass rusher Trey Hendrickson
He’s back…Sort of.
