On today's show, we discuss Mike Florio's wild take on Joe Burrow, plus how Bengals scheme changes could help the offensive line. Also, Sean Payton breaks down his decision to give Davis Webb play-calling duties, and 9 NFL head coaches on the hot seat this season.

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Mike Florio’s answer on Pardon My Take about whether Joe Burrow will be a Bengal in 2027 was one word: “TBD.”

Joe Burrow is under contract with the Bengals through the 2029 season. So unless something changes dramatically between now and then, there is no mystery about where he is supposed to be playing in 2027. He is supposed to be in Cincinnati.

That’s what makes Florio’s answer so ridiculous.

If Florio has legitimate information that Burrow could be traded, wants out of Cincinnati, or has some other issue with the Bengals, then say it. That would be news. But simply responding “TBD” creates the impression that there is some major uncertainty surrounding Burrow’s future when, at this point, there really isn’t.

Of course, anything can happen in the NFL. Contracts get restructured. Players can request trades. Teams can make shocking decisions. Nobody can guarantee where a player will be three years from now.

But that applies to literally everyone.

Burrow is not a free agent after this season. The Bengals aren't facing a looming decision about whether to re-sign their franchise quarterback. They already made that decision when they gave him a massive contract extension.

And Cincinnati has continued to build around him.

So what exactly are we supposed to take from “TBD”?

It sounds less like reporting and more like Florio planting a flag in the ground without actually having to say anything.

If Burrow is traded in 2027, Florio can point back to the clip and say, “I told you it was TBD.” If Burrow is still in Cincinnati, nobody remembers the comment.

That’s a pretty convenient prediction.

There is nothing wrong with acknowledging that the future is unpredictable. But presenting Burrow’s 2027 status as some great mystery, when he is already under contract, is making a story out of absolutely nothing.

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On today's show, we discuss Sunday's Bengals training camp session in what was the most intense practice to this point. The Bengals offense had their best day as Andrei Iosivas and Tee Higgins both scored during 11 on 11. Plus, the Reds got swept by the Nationals and Hunter Greene once again needs surgery. Also, Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby get into it at Raiders practice and Carson Beck flashes during HOF game.

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The Cincinnati Bengals returned to the practice field Sunday, August 9, with the preseason opener against the Detroit Lions approaching. The session provided another important opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate the roster, while several players continued to make progress in their preparations for the 2026 season.

Quarterback Joe Burrow looked sharp during team periods, continuing to build his timing with Cincinnati’s receiving corps. Burrow connected with Tee Higgins on several occasions, while Yoshi also made plays in the passing game. Andrei Iosivas was involved in one of the more notable plays of practice, catching a potential touchdown that sparked some debate over whether the play ended in a fumble.

The Bengals also received encouraging news along the defensive line. Veteran B.J. Hill, who has been dealing with an ankle injury and had been on the physically unable to perform list, was back in uniform and participated in rehabilitation work, including sled drills. Shemar Stewart also showed signs of progress from his knee injury, working without the knee brace he had previously been wearing. Neither development guarantees an immediate return, but both were positive signs for Cincinnati’s defensive depth.

The secondary received additional attention as Dax Hill missed practice with a hamstring issue and Bryan Cook received a veteran rest day. Kyle Dugger took first-team reps, while rookies Tacario Davis and D.J. Ivey received increased opportunities.

One of the memorable moments of the day came from Hall of Fame offensive tackle Anthony Muñoz, who spent time with young right tackle Amarius Mims. Mims is entering an important season, and the opportunity to work with one of the greatest tackles in NFL history was a valuable experience.

Overall, Sunday’s practice offered a mix of encouraging injury developments, competitive position battles and strong offensive execution. With the preseason opener nearing, the Bengals are beginning to shift from evaluation toward game preparation.

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On today's show, we break down some Bengals players who have been turning some heads at training camp, ft. rookie Cashius Howell. Plus, Chase Brown contract talk after Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs ink deals, and are the Reds cockroaches again?

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Cashius Howell has quickly become one of the biggest stories of Cincinnati Bengals training camp, and the rookie edge rusher is giving the coaching staff every reason to believe they found an impact defender in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. While expectations were already high after an outstanding career at Texas A&M, Howell has exceeded them during the first stretch of camp with a combination of relentless effort, explosive athleticism and a polished pass-rushing arsenal. Reports from practice have consistently highlighted his ability to generate pressure, even when matched against veteran offensive linemen.

One of Howell's most impressive moments came during one-on-one drills, where he reportedly beat veteran left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. with a powerful rush that immediately caught the attention of coaches, teammates and observers. Veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Allen has also praised Howell's work ethic and ability to capitalize on additional opportunities while fellow rookie Shemar Stewart recovers from injury. Those extra first-team reps have accelerated Howell's development and allowed him to showcase why Cincinnati believes he can become a cornerstone of its rebuilt defensive front.

Beyond his pass-rushing ability, the Bengals have expanded Howell's responsibilities by asking him to drop into coverage as part of defensive coordinator Al Golden's multiple-front scheme. Howell has embraced the challenge, acknowledging that pass rushing remains his strength while emphasizing his commitment to becoming a more complete defender. His willingness to learn and adapt has impressed the coaching staff as much as his production on the field.

With Cincinnati looking to reshape its defense after significant offseason changes, Howell's emergence could not come at a better time. If his training camp performance carries into the preseason and regular season, the Bengals may have found an immediate contributor capable of bringing consistent pressure off the edge. Early returns suggest Howell is not just living up to expectations—he is rapidly becoming one of the breakout rookies of the 2026 NFL preseason.

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On today's show, we discuss Hunter Greene going back on the IL with elbow soreness and what it could mean for his future with the Reds. Plus, Zac Taylor says starters will play in the preseason for the Bengals, and new contracts for Stefon Diggs and Jonathan Taylor.

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Hunter Greene's latest trip to the injured list feels painfully familiar for the Cincinnati Reds and their fans. Just one month after returning from offseason elbow surgery, Greene is back on the shelf with right elbow soreness, casting another cloud over one of baseball's most electric young arms. The Reds announced Wednesday that Greene had been placed on the 15-day injured list and will seek another evaluation, an unsettling development for a pitcher who has already battled multiple arm-related setbacks.

The frustrating part isn't just the injury itself—it's the timing. Greene missed the first half of the season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow. His return in July was supposed to provide a boost to a Reds club hoping to stay relevant in the National League race. Instead, he made only five starts before elbow discomfort resurfaced, raising fresh questions about his long-term durability.

When healthy, Greene has shown why the Reds committed to him as the face of their rotation. His triple-digit fastball and devastating slider can overpower any lineup, and he looked like a future ace during his All-Star campaign in 2024. But availability has become the biggest concern. Injuries have repeatedly interrupted his development, preventing him from putting together the kind of sustained success expected from a frontline starter.

For Cincinnati, the consequences extend beyond one player. The Reds have built much of their future around a young pitching core, with Greene expected to lead the way. Every extended absence forces the club to lean harder on its depth and creates uncertainty about both the present and the future. Fans are left wondering whether Greene can ever consistently stay on the mound long enough to fulfill his immense potential.

Until Greene proves he can string together healthy seasons, the conversation will remain the same: incredible talent, undeniable upside, but persistent injuries that continue to stand in the way of stardom. Right now, that's a reality neither Greene nor the Reds can afford.

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On today's show we react to the Reds' 5-4 win against the Athletics which included another RBI from Sal Stewart as he took the league lead. Plus, are the Bengals making significant offensive changes at training camp? Also, Bijan Robinson just reset the RB market but, should he have gotten more?

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Tuesday’s training camp practice served as another reminder that the Bengals’ defense is making life difficult for one of the NFL’s most talented offenses. While Joe Burrow and company flashed their usual playmaking ability at times, the defense consistently disrupted the rhythm of team drills, continuing a trend that has become one of the biggest storylines of camp. Observers noted tighter coverage in the secondary and a more disruptive pass rush, leading to several stalled drives and forcing the offense to work for nearly every completion.

The offensive struggles shouldn’t necessarily be viewed as a cause for concern. Training camp often favors the defense early in August, particularly when units are still ironing out timing and coaches are experimenting with personnel packages. Cincinnati is also installing new wrinkles offensively while facing a defense that appears deeper and more physical than it has been in recent years. If anything, the competitive practices should help sharpen the offense before preseason games begin.

One of the lighter moments of the day came when several members of the Cincinnati Reds visited practice, headlined by rookie standout Sal Stewart. Stewart, an admitted Bengals fan, spent time with head coach Zac Taylor and was excited for the opportunity to meet Ja’Marr Chase, whose jersey he has proudly worn on NFL Sundays. The crossover between Cincinnati’s football and baseball teams drew plenty of smiles from players and fans alike, highlighting the close relationship between the city’s two franchises.

With the first preseason game approaching, the Bengals will be looking for the offense to regain its usual efficiency while the defense attempts to maintain the momentum it has built throughout camp. If these practices are any indication, Cincinnati’s defense may be poised to be one of the team’s biggest strengths entering the 2026 season, even if the offense is simply working through the normal growing pains of training camp.

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On today's show, we react to a disastrous trade deadline for the Reds, where they only moved Nathaniel Lowe and Caleb Ferguson. Plus, the latest news and notes from Bengals training camp, and The Athletic releases its QB tiers.

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The Cincinnati Reds' approach to the trade deadline can only be described as underwhelming. While many contenders aggressively upgraded their rosters and several fringe playoff teams made calculated moves to improve their chances, the Reds largely stood still. Their only notable transactions were moving first baseman Nathaniel Lowe and left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson, two veterans who were likely not part of the organization's long-term plans anyway.

For a team caught between competing now and building for the future, this was a puzzling strategy. Cincinnati entered the deadline with clear needs, particularly additional bullpen depth and another reliable bat to support its young core. Instead of addressing those weaknesses, the front office opted to make only minor adjustments. Trading Lowe and Ferguson may have freed up payroll or opened opportunities for younger players, but neither move significantly changes the outlook for the remainder of the season.

The lack of action sends a mixed message. If the Reds believed they were legitimate postseason contenders, adding talent would have demonstrated confidence in a roster featuring emerging stars and a fan base eager to see meaningful October baseball return. If they viewed themselves as sellers, they could have capitalized on the market by moving additional veterans for prospects. Instead, they landed somewhere in the middle, making modest moves without fully committing to either direction.

Standing pat is sometimes defensible if a team believes reinforcements are already in the organization. However, it also carries the risk of watching division rivals improve while your own roster remains largely unchanged. The National League playoff race is often decided by small margins, and failing to strengthen the club could prove costly over the final two months.

Ultimately, the Reds' trade deadline will be remembered less for what they did than for what they didn't do. Whether that restraint proves wise or becomes a missed opportunity will depend entirely on how the current roster performs down the stretch.

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#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

On today's show, we break down the latest from Cincinnati Bengals training camp on day 1 of pads. Boye Mafe and the Bengals defensive line are off to a hot start; the CB battle is in full force, and could some UDFA WR's make the roster? Plus, with the MLB trade deadline this evening, could Tyler Stephenson be on the move for the Reds?

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As the Bengals put the pads on for the first time Monday, training camp enters the phase where early storylines begin to carry more weight. The first four practices have largely been about timing, conditioning and installation, but now the focus shifts to physicality, particularly in the trenches where roster battles are often won.

Quarterback Joe Burrow has looked comfortable directing the offense despite an up-and-down practice over the weekend. Even on a day when accuracy wasn't at its sharpest, Burrow continued to show command of the offense and chemistry with his deep group of playmakers. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins remain the focal points, while Andrei Iosivas has continued to generate buzz as he looks to cement himself as the No. 3 receiver with improved separation and confidence.

The running back room has also been encouraging. Chase Brown has displayed the explosiveness that made him a breakout player, while rookie Tahj Brooks is beginning to earn opportunities as the Bengals evaluate their depth behind Brown.

Defensively, several newcomers have stood out. Edge rusher Boye Mafe has consistently generated pressure during non-padded practices, and linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter have flashed athleticism as they compete for meaningful roles. Veteran defensive back Jalen Davis has also made multiple impact plays on the football, strengthening his case for increased snaps in a competitive secondary.

Monday's first padded practice represents a significant checkpoint. Coaches will get their first true evaluation of the offensive and defensive lines, the running game, pass protection and tackling. It's also when preseason roster competitions often begin to separate contenders from hopefuls.

The Bengals have emphasized competition throughout camp, and the opening week has reflected that message. The offense continues to feature one of the NFL's premier collections of skill talent, while the defense appears faster and deeper than it did entering last season. With pads finally on, the intensity rises, and the most meaningful evaluations of training camp are officially underway.

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On today's show, we react to the Reds' walk-off win last night against the Pirates and discuss the latest Hunter Greene trade rumors. Plus, news from Bengals training camp on Demetrius Knight, Barrett Carter and Shemar Stewart, Cincinnati's projected starting lineup from ESPN and Bengals OL depth chart breakdown.

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The Cincinnati Bengals settled into a more productive rhythm on Day 2 of training camp, with the focus shifting from the heated emotions of the opening practice to crisp execution on both sides of the football. While the intensity remained high, coaches saw a cleaner, more disciplined workout as players continued building toward the preseason.

One of the biggest storylines was the play of the linebacker group. Demetrius Knight Jr. turned heads by intercepting quarterback Joe Burrow during team drills, while Barrett Carter flashed his athleticism with several disruptive plays in the backfield. The Bengals are counting on improved production from the second level of the defense, and both players made early statements that they are ready to compete for significant roles.

In the secondary, Dax Hill had one of the day's highlight moments by breaking up a pass intended for Ja'Marr Chase. Hill's versatility and confidence have been evident early in camp, and matching up with one of the NFL's elite receivers provides valuable preparation. Chase later praised the competitive environment, saying the spirited battles between the offense and defense are exactly what the team needs to improve.

On offense, wide receiver Andrei Iosivas continued his push to lock down the No. 3 receiver role, while rookie Noah Thomas made several impressive catches that showcased his size and ball skills. Joe Burrow experienced both highs and lows during practice, delivering accurate throws while also being challenged by an energized defense.

Veteran defensive linemen B.J. Hill and Jonathan Allen were given scheduled rest as part of the coaching staff's workload management plan, allowing younger players to receive additional reps. Overall, Day 2 reflected a team settling into camp with competitive energy, emerging young contributors, and an emphasis on execution as preparations for the 2026 season continue.

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#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

On today's show, we react to some stories out of Bengals training camp, including yesterday's scuffle between Ja'Marr Chase and the defense. Plus, a positive Shemar Stewart injury update and what Joe Burrow had to say about playing against Dexter Lawrence. Also, Hunter Greene trade rumors from Ken Rosenthal and star RB's Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs holding-in at their respective training camps.

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The Cincinnati Bengals’ first training camp practice of 2026 featured plenty of intensity, but it also brought a pair of developments the organization hopes won’t define the rest of camp.

The biggest talking point on the field was a heated confrontation involving star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and cornerback DJ Turner II. During a competitive period, tempers flared after physical coverage from the defense. Chase ripped Turner’s helmet off and launched it across the field, drawing players from both sides into a brief scrum. Defensive back Jalen Davis also became involved as teammates rushed in to separate everyone before the situation escalated. No punches were thrown, and practice resumed after coaches restored order. Following the session, players downplayed the incident, describing it as the result of two highly competitive units pushing each other during the first day of camp. Quarterback Joe Burrow also suggested that a little emotion can be healthy, provided it doesn’t distract from the team’s work.

While the scuffle generated headlines, the most concerning moment came later when defensive end Shemar Stewart suffered a left leg injury during 11-on-11 drills. Stewart’s leg appeared to buckle on the play, and he was unable to put weight on it afterward. Medical personnel attended to the second-year defender before he was helped off the field and eventually carted to the locker room. Reports after practice indicated Stewart was using crutches and wearing a protective brace, although the Bengals had not yet announced the severity of the injury.

Stewart was expected to play a significant role in Cincinnati’s defensive front this season, making his status one of the team’s biggest storylines moving forward. As camp continues, the Bengals will hope the early emotional outburst remains nothing more than competitive fire while awaiting encouraging news on one of their promising young defenders.

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On today's show, we break down 3 important position battles for the Cincinnati Bengals during training camp and also react live to the Shemar Stewart injury news. Plus, the Reds split a doubleheader with the Guardians, reaction to the Kyle Shanahan news and top QB battles around the NFL.

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The wait is over. Bengals football is officially back as Cincinnati opens 2026 training camp Wednesday at the Kettering Health Practice Fields, beginning what the organization hopes is a return to playoff contention. The first public practice starts at 10 a.m., giving fans their first glimpse of a roster that looks significantly different on the defensive side of the ball.

The biggest storyline entering Day 1 is the revamped defensive front. Newcomers Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen headline a unit expected to transform one of the NFL's weakest run defenses into a strength. Their integration alongside B.J. Hill and a young supporting cast will be closely watched from the opening whistle as defensive coordinator Al Golden begins installing his system.

Offensively, all eyes remain on Joe Burrow. After an injury-shortened 2025 season, the franchise quarterback enters camp healthy and once again surrounded by one of the league's most talented skill groups. While Day 1 won't feature pads or full-speed competition, observers will be monitoring Burrow's rhythm, chemistry with his receivers and the continuity of an offensive line expected to provide greater stability than in recent seasons.

The opening practice also marks the beginning of several roster battles. Depth at wide receiver, the back end of the defensive line and special teams roles will be under the microscope throughout camp as younger players attempt to earn spots on the 53-man roster. Coaches will stress fundamentals and conditioning early, but every rep begins building the depth chart.

For fans, Day 1 represents more than just football drills. It's the unofficial start of the season and the first opportunity to measure the optimism surrounding a Bengals team that believes its offseason additions can translate into meaningful January football. After months of anticipation, the storylines finally shift from projections to performance as Cincinnati takes the practice field for the first time in 2026.

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