Monday night, during the Washington Commanders game, television cameras zoomed in on a particular player a few times.

Watching the game, it was rather difficult not to notice Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson on the Cincinnati sideline. I had the TV sound muted while listening to the Commanders’ radio broadcast. But there he was several times, the unhappy Bengals defensive end, seeking a new contract.

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The first time I recognized him and recalled that he is wanting a new contract. But then, when shown again on the sidelines, it hit me, “Wait a minute, this is a Cincinnati road game! The Bengals have traveled from Cincinnati to Washington to play this game, and their unhappy proven veteran traveled down and is on the sideline?”

So naturally, I then asked myself, “Well, I have yet to see Terry McLaurin.” Surely, if he is at the game, he will be shown on camera as well? But of course, McLaurin was not shown on the sideline, because though it was a Washington home game, and though he had been removed from the PUP list, McLaurin chose not to be with his teammates on Monday.

Terry has a deal. A deal he signed. All of his teammates who don’t have a contract for 2026 have been in training camp, playing the preseason. Hendrickson wants more money as well. But he had enough desire to be supportive, even traveling to be with his teammates.

Terry? He was a no-show. Honestly, I hope it was something in his family that he thought was much more important. If so, not another word from me on this. However, if not, given Hendrickson’s support for his teammates, what are we to think, Terry?

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Wednesday is to be the first practice for Terry since being removed from the PUP list. Not being at the game, Monday, one wonders, “Is Terry going to be supportive? Is Terry going to practice on Wednesday? Has Terry become oppositional?”

One thing I’ve noticed is that because we all have loved Terry so much, our default tends to be to think the best and take his side. It’s often heard that Terry is receiving bad advice from his agent, which somehow excuses McLaurin. However, Terry will turn 30 on September 15. Isn’t he old enough now to be responsible for the decisions he is ultimately making? On the other hand, if Terry actually disagrees with the advice he has been receiving, when is he going to stand on his own two feet?

Like it or not, the contrast of Hendrickson and McLaurin was undeniable and puzzling.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Trey Hendrickson and Terry McLaurin handled situations differently