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Ben Child
CINCINNATI — For the primary time on this coaching camp, Trey Hendrickson was at observe with the Bengals.
Hendrickson formally ended his holdout Wednesday and was an lively spectator through the morning’s observe. Sporting all-black Bengals apparel, he stood close to the defensive position for the majority of the day, gave tricks to youthful gamers and noticed from the sideline throughout staff drills.
Hendrickson indicated he nonetheless would not plan on taking part till he receives a contract extension, however till that occurs, he desires to be within the background as a lot as attainable.
“There are plans on not having to play on the present deal,” Hendrickson stated in entrance of his locker Friday. “That is one thing we have now a typical objective to get to. That is the plan shifting ahead. No distractions. I’m excited to be right here.”
Hendrickson stated he had educated for 30 days in Cincinnati and had intentions of being round when the veterans reported for coaching camp on July 22. With out giving particulars, Hendrickson stated issues transpired proper earlier than camp that prompted him to return to Florida, the place he lives.
On Wednesday, nevertheless, it felt virtually like enterprise as typical. He was in staff conferences and among the many first individuals within the constructing. At observe, he hung out chatting with rookie defensive finish Shemar Stewart, who not too long ago signed his rookie contract to finish his personal dispute.
Hendrickson is coming off his finest season within the league. He led the NFL with 17.5 sacks and was named to the All-Professional staff, along with being a Professional Bowl choice for the fourth straight 12 months.
Whereas the accolades are good, what’s extra essential is the monetary safety and the ensures that include a brand new deal.
Bengals staff president Mike Brown expressed optimism on July 21 {that a} deal will get accomplished and stated Hendrickson has merited a elevate from the $16 million in money he’s set to earn this season.
Whereas the platitudes are appreciated, Hendrickson is eyeing a much bigger goal forward of a pivotal season for the franchise.
“For them to speak about me in excessive regard is a particular factor,” Hendrickson stated. “In case you advised me that after I was 18 years outdated that that will occur, my coronary heart could be heat. Circumstantially, I am extra enthusiastic about getting one thing accomplished.
“However as we proceed to undergo this course of, I plan on dealing with it with respect to [coach] Zac Taylor, to the 2025 Bengals and never being a distraction.”
