Cincinnati Bengals wrap June 2025 minicamp with a healthy Joe Burrow but face a contract holdout from DE Trey Hendrickson. A mix of hope and concern for 2024.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The Cincinnati Bengals officially closed the book on their mandatory minicamp Thursday, with players heading off for their final break before training camp. Head coach Zac Taylor painted a picture of progress and positivity, but beneath the surface of a 'great spring,' significant challenges are brewing. While the sight of a fully healthy Joe Burrow slinging the ball is enough to fuel championship dreams, season-ending injuries and critical contract disputes are casting a long shadow over the 2025 season.
Trey Hendrickson, seeking a new deal, has stated he will not play under his current contract.
Let's start with the best news of the offseason: Joe Burrow is 100% healthy. After spending last summer recovering from wrist surgery, Burrow was a full participant in every drill, looking sharp and in command. His presence has shifted the entire focus of the team's preparation. Instead of worrying about their franchise quarterback's health, the Bengals have been able to concentrate on fine-tuning the offense and evaluating position battles. This is a massive advantage compared to last year and the single biggest reason for optimism as the team looks toward a Week 1 clash with Cleveland.
The biggest source of off-field drama comes from the defensive line, where two key pass rushers were conspicuously absent. Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson is holding out, making it clear he won't play on his current contract and now faces team fines. He's joined by rookie Shemar Stewart, whose own contract negotiations have hit a snag, leading him to publicly question the team's motives. Defensive Coordinator Al Golden noted that other players have stepped up in their absence, but losing your top pass rusher and a key rotational rookie creates a massive hole. This situation needs a resolution before training camp, or the Bengals' defense will be starting from behind.
The most gut-wrenching news of the week was the confirmation that tight end Erick All will miss the entire 2025 season. Complications from a previous knee injury required two surgeries instead of the expected one, sidelining the promising young player who was projected to have a significant role. His absence puts immense pressure on the remaining tight ends. Veteran Mike Gesicki now becomes the undisputed TE1, with Drew Sample and rookie Tanner McLachlan needing to step into much larger roles than anticipated. Don't be surprised if the front office scours the veteran market for another body before camp begins.
While the holdouts create one problem, injuries create another. Defensive linemen B.J. Hill (foot) and Cameron Sample (Achilles) are both questionable for Week 1, further thinning the ranks. The secondary is also nursing injuries, with Daxton Hill (knee) and Lance Robinson (undisclosed) being monitored. The silver lining from minicamp was the emergence of linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., who drew praise for his standout performance. With so many veterans sidelined, young players like Knight are getting crucial reps and a chance to prove their worth.
As the Bengals break for summer, they are a team of contrasts. They have a healthy franchise quarterback and a schedule that sets up for a strong finish, including a Monday Night Football rematch with Denver and three of their last four games at home. Yet, the contract standoffs with Hendrickson and Stewart and the brutal injury to All are major hurdles that must be cleared. The next six weeks will be quiet on the field but crucial in the front office. How these situations are resolved will determine whether the Bengals enter training camp as a team poised for a Super Bowl run or one scrambling to plug major holes.
