Cincinnati’s practice surfaced a sharp reminder of football’s balance between aggression and safety when rookie Shemar Stewart clipped Joe Burrow during 11-on-11, triggering a scuffle as Bengals linemen stood up for their quarterback. The moment underscored how fragile the pocket can be in camp and how much the team emphasizes protecting Burrow, who navigated a league-leading 4,918 passing yards and 43 TDs in 2024 despite absorbing a heavy hit load.

The front line responded with accountability as centers and guards pledged better protection, stressing that Burrow’s health remains paramount to replicating last season’s production. Stewart’s high-energy rush is seen as a tangible upside for Cincinnati’s defense if tempered with discipline, while Burrow’s supporting cast and coaching staff aim to keep No. 9 upright this fall.

Stewart’s late start from a rookie holdout adds a learning curve to camp, but the Bengals trust his talent will translate into pressure without compromising Burrow’s health. For fantasy audiences, the dynamic remains Burrow at the core; the line’s improvement and Stewart’s growth will likely determine how frequently Burrow can push the ball downfield in 2025.

The Cincinnati Bengals practice scene turned tense after Joe Burrow was knocked down by Shemar Stewart, a rookie first‑round pick, sparking a brief team scuffle. Lucas Patrick started the shoving match, and Stewart swung at Patrick’s helmet before teammates swarmed in. Burrow left the play uninjured, but the moment underscored a clash between Cincinnati’s offensive line and its aggressive, rebuilt defensive line. Ted Karras acknowledged the O‑line’s surge in intensity, while deeming the skirmish manageable. The episode also hints at a defensive uptick under new coordinator Al Golden, with Stewart and fellow rookie Demetrius Knight Jr. among the new faces.)

Ted Karras, the Bengals' pivot up front, is turning leadership into philanthropy with The Cincy Hat Foundation. In collaboration with the Cincinnati Fire Department, a Cincinnati Fire Department Cincy Hat debuts in navy and red, with all proceeds going to The Cincinnati Fire Fighter Charitable Fund. The hat will even become an official CFD uniform piece during September, and pre-orders at The Cincy Hat site are $35, with delivery aimed by Sept 1.

The initiative sits among a broader, ongoing community mission. Since 2016, the foundation has raised more than 2.5 million in hat sales to support programs like full-ride UC TAP scholarships for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, underscoring a culture of giving that extends beyond the gridiron.

The Cincinnati Bengals enter the offseason with a renewed focus on avoiding slow starts, as emphasized by head coach Zac Taylor’s changes. Notable adjustments include an altered training camp schedule, allowing starters to participate in more preseason snaps, and an increase in practice intensity. Center Ted Karras noted that recent practices have been more rigorous than ever, indicating the team's commitment to improvement. These changes aim to translate into a stronger performance on the field as the Bengals prepare for the upcoming season.