Burrow wants it done.
The Cincinnati Bengals are back on the practice field, as training camp has officially opened. Players were back to work and back in front of the media after the first practice of camp wrapped up.
Franchise quarterback Joe Burrow spoke to the media and was, of course, asked about the absences of Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart. Both are holding out of training camp amid their contract negotiations with the team.
During the week leading up to Super Bowl LIX, Burrow essentially went on a media tour asking for the team to take care of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Mike Gesicki, and Trey Hendrickson. They got deals done with the first three, but things are still messy with Hendrickson.
When asked about the absences of both Hendrickson and Stewart, Burrow called it “disappointing.”
Joe Burrow says it’s “disappointing” Bengals edge rushers Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart aren’t here for camp’s start amid contract disputes pic.twitter.com/QvEQJr4e8k
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) July 23, 2025
Burrow also emphasized the importance of resolving contract situations early, so that such distractions don’t linger into training camp and the regular season.
Reports in the offseason said Burrow isn’t holding a grudge against the front office over the lack of progress with Hendrickson, but as this drags out, hopefully Burrow doesn’t grow unhappy.
The last thing the Bengals need is more contract drama lingering when Week 1 rolls around.
