Overview

• Shemar Stewart, Cincinnati's 17th overall pick, and second-round pick Demetrius Knight Jr. missed on-field drills at rookie minicamp due to unsigned contracts.
• Both players are participating in meetings and defensive scheme study as they aim to finalize deals before veterans join practice on Monday.
• Stewart’s decision to hold out comes despite a standard injury waiver designed to protect unsigned rookies from contract termination if injured.
• Bengals head coach Zac Taylor praised the players’ attitudes and reported no tension within the team despite the holdouts.
• The team’s efforts to integrate rookies coincide with ongoing cap management challenges, including negotiations to extend veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.