The first day of mandatory minicamp for the Cincinnati Bengals was as notable for those not fully participating and not present as it was for anything else.

This time last year, it was receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins that were off to the side, politicking for raises from the Bengals. This year, there’s just one established, returning core piece doing that in 2024 NFL sack champion Trey Hendrickson, and he skipped June 10’s session on the practice fields across the street from Paycor Stadium.

Hendrickson, in the midst of an ongoing contract dispute with the Bengals, opted to stay away from the team because he is unhappy with his contract status. The Bengals will likely fine Hendrickson for not showing as players are subject to fines of more than $100,000 for missing minicamp for unexcused absences.

Joe Burrow on Trey Hendrickson’s contract situation with Bengals

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow spoke June 10 inside Paycor Stadium following the first day of Bengals’ minicamp, and acknowledged Hendrickson’s absence from further offseason work to be detrimental. Asked if Hendrickson’s absence was a distraction, Burrow said: “Of course. Of course.”

“Last year we had two (distractions) This year we have one. That’s definitely less,” Burrow said. “You’d love to have none but, you know, that’s life in the NFL. We’re all supporting Trey, and would love for him to be back.”

Where Trey Hendrickson stands with Cincinnati Bengals

Hendrickson’s absence Tuesday was expected. The tone of the dispute was laid out in public by Hendrickson when he attended a May 13 practice and conducted an interview to explain his side of the contract dispute. Behind him, teammates practiced.

“A little bit transpired between me and Zac,” Hendrickson said. “We’ve tried to keep it as least amount as personal as possible, but at some point, in this process, it becomes personal.”

The Bengals and Hendrickson don’t appear to be close on an extension. Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks over the last two years with 35. He wants to be paid market value for premiere edge rushers, and the Bengals haven’t offered him an extension he believes is in line with the market.

Cincinnati Bengals slow starts to NFL season

The team itself is looking to buck a trend of slow, early-season starts and stumbles. The Bengals have historically been ineffective in September under head coach Zac Taylor. In 2024, that slow start likely cost Cincinnati a playoff berth because the team still rebounded and was alive for a playoff berth until the final week of the regular season.

Not having all the key players present, dressed for practice and pulling in the same direction isn’t helping the Bengals’ cause.

Burrow said it would be ideal to have the team’s core together right now, but that that isn’t always a realistic expectation.

“Young guys get more reps in training camp,” Burrow said. “Nobody’s worried about Trey working hard and doing what he needs to do if we happen to have him this year.”

Burrow also indicated he’s accepted the possible reality that the Bengals won’t have Hendrickson this season.

“It’s not one that I think would make us a better team, so we’ll see what end up happening,” Burrow said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I wish I had an answer for you but we’ll see.”