NFL season is just weeks away with teams getting a final evaluation of their roster before the summer break. A majority of the 32 teams have completed their mandatory minicamp practices and have moved into the summer break.

With OTA's and mandatory minicamp now concluded, and the Bengals going their separate ways for about five weeks prior to the start of preseason training camp, plenty was said about the supposed forward steps by Cincinnati's defense under first-year coordinator Al Golden.

There were big plays, non-first-round rookies in key spots and the simple fact Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were present and looked good. There’s even system continuity and, for the most part, not major roster turnover.

Bengals first-round rookie Shemar Stewart skipped the final day of mandatory minicamp after sounding off on his lingering contract dispute earlier this week. Zac Taylor said he had “good communication” with Stewart before the pass rusher left.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared his perspective on Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart's "issue" with the team in a recent interview.

The Cincinnati Bengals had some notable standout players over a handful of days at mandatory minicamp this week. Some were expected, like Joe Burrow and his star wideouts such as Ja’Marr Chase looking good.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow addresses the media as mandatory minicamp is underway ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Burrow is entering his sixth NFL season and led the league in yardage and touchdowns in 2024.

The Cincinnati Bengals are releasing linebacker Germaine Pratt, two people with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the move has not been announced.