Trey Hendrickson Joins the Colts: A Game-Changing Move for Indianapolis
Through seven games of 2025, the Indianapolis Colts are leading the NFL with the best record in the league, thanks to their fantastic offensive efficiency and a defense that excels at forcing turnovers. While they haven’t yet faced an elite offensive powerhouse, their own offense might be the only juggernaut in the NFL.
However, there are areas for improvement, particularly on defense. The cornerback group has been significantly impacted by injuries, and the defensive line and edge rushers are struggling to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This makes life even harder for a secondary already stretched thin.
A potential solution to this problem? Adding a player who could make an immediate impact. Enter Trey Hendrickson, the edge rusher who worked under Indianapolis defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo when Anarumo was with the Cincinnati Bengals. Hendrickson could potentially be available via trade, and this could be the perfect opportunity for the Colts to boost their defense.
A Reasonable Price for Trey Hendrickson?
According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, it might only take a conditional second-round draft pick to acquire Hendrickson. This is an enticing offer for the Colts, as the price seems like a steal. However, fans of Indianapolis know that in-season trades are a rare occurrence, as general manager Chris Ballard prefers to build through the draft and make targeted free-agent signings. This strategy has played a role in the Colts' success so far this season.
Another factor to consider is the Bengals’ situation. Despite missing star quarterback Joe Burrow for several months due to injury, Cincinnati is still in the hunt for an AFC playoff spot, currently sitting at 3-4. A surprising victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7 shows they aren’t out of the race just yet. The Bengals may hesitate to trade Hendrickson if they believe they still have a shot at the postseason, especially with Burrow potentially returning later in the season.
Nevertheless, a second-round draft pick for a player who thrives in Anarumo’s defensive system is an enticing offer for the Bengals—one that could significantly upgrade the Colts’ defense. If the trade happens, Hendrickson would immediately improve a key area of need for Indianapolis, and with Shane Steichen's high-powered offense, the Colts would be legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
That being said, the Colts are already exceeding expectations. With a 6-1 record through seven games, they’ve proven they’re capable of contending for a championship this season, even without Hendrickson. But if the trade goes through, the Colts might just have all the pieces they need to make a deep Super Bowl run.
Kyle Dugger Absence vs. Browns Strains Patriots Secondary
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — With their Week 8 matchup against the Cleveland Browns set to kick off at Gillette Stadium, the New England
The Patriots (5-2) enter this matchup on the heels of a dominant 31-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Cleveland (1-5) also won its Week 7 contest against the Miami Dolphins by a score of 31-6 at Huntington Bank Field.
With just over an hour until the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff, the Patriots and Browns have released their lists of inactives:
PATRIOTS INACTIVES:
S Kyle Dugger
LB Caleb Murphy
WR Efton Chism, III
DE Eric Gregory
DE Keion White
G Caedan Wallace
QB Tommy DeVito (3rd QB)
What it Means for the Patriots:
Dugger entered the weekend as questionable for Week 8 with a knee injury. The Lenoir-Rhyne product did not participate the the Pats final practice of the week and was the lone Patriot to be listed on their ultimate injury and practice participation report.
This season, Dugger has appeared in all seven games [making four starts] while compiling 17 total tackles. Due to his preseason and early-season struggles, the former Pats’ team captain has been the subject of both trade and release rumors — the former of which are expected to continue up to the NFL’s
Throughout his five-plus seasons in Foxborough, Dugger has appeared in 81 regular season games, making 69 starts. He also started his only playoff appearance in 2021. The Decatur, Georgia native has compiled 441 total tackles, nine interceptions and two fumble recoveries, while scoring three defensive touchdowns. His extensive knowledge of the Patriots playbook made him the logical choice to serve as their starter with veteran Jaylinn Hawkins being sidelined for the past two games with a hamstring injury.
Despite having just been signed by the Patriots on Oct. 15, defensive back Richie Grant’s elevation from the practice squad may indicate that he is likely to inherit some of the reps normally allotted to Dugger. The veteran safety was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an unrestricted free agent this past offseason but was released prior to the start of the season. Throughout his four seasons in the NFL, the 6’0” 200-pound defensive back has played in 67 games with 33 starts and has accumulated 264 total tackles, three sacks, three interceptions, 17 passes-defensed and 11 special teams tackles.
The Patriots may also turn to second-year defensive back Dell Pettus, perhaps the more-likely choice to receive Dugger’s reps. Pettus has logged 10 total tackles, one forced fumble and one run-stuff in reserve duty this season.
BROWNS INACTIVES:
QB Shedeur Sanders
CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse
S Damontae Kazee
RB Raheim Sanders
G Zack Zinter
T Cornelius Lucas
DT Adin Huntington
