This is not what the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders wanted to have in common. Two teams with Super Bowl aspirations share a less savory commonality: Each has a top player who has been holding-in while trying to secure a contract extension. And how those negotiations proceed could help determine how their seasons unfold.
Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson and Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin will remain sidelined for tonight's preseason game at Northwest Stadium (8 p.m. ET, ESPN). Both veterans, who will each be 30 years old by the end of September, are angling for new contracts.