Bengals Hidden Gems & Offseason Themes, Hunter Greene Makes Rehab Start, Year 1 With Jerrod Calhoun

Bengals Hidden Gems & Offseason Themes, Hunter Greene Makes Rehab Start, Year 1 With Jerrod Calhoun

On today's show, we discuss some Bengals offseason themes, including new leadership and Al Golden's newfound versatility. Plus, some Bengals hidden gems that were selected on day 3 of the NFL draft, Hunter Greene makes his first rehab start and going into year 1 with Jerrod Calhoun at UC. The Stone Shields Show sponsors: Book an appointment at Richter & Phillips today: https://richterphillips.com/pages/chatterbox-sports Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com  Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigars! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars   Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Right-hander Hunter Greene took an important step in his return to the mound Thursday night, making his first rehabilitation appearance for the Arizona Complex League Reds after missing the entire 2026 season while recovering from March elbow surgery to remove bone spurs and loose bodies from his right elbow. The assignment marked Greene’s first game action in more than three months and represented a significant milestone in the recovery process for the Reds’ ace. Greene’s outing came against the ACL Cubs at Sloan Park in Arizona. Before the game, reports indicated that the Reds planned to limit him to roughly three innings as they began the process of building his workload back toward major-league starter levels. The organization has been cautiously progressing Greene through bullpen sessions, live batting practice, and simulated game work before finally clearing him for competitive action. The early returns were encouraging. Greene reportedly worked scoreless baseball in his rehab debut, flashing the power arsenal that has made him one of baseball’s most electric pitchers. Reports from the game noted that he struck out multiple hitters and showed strong command while facing rookie-level competition. His ability to miss bats immediately is a positive sign, particularly after such a lengthy layoff following elbow surgery. For Cincinnati, the rehab start carries significance beyond the box score. Greene entered the season as the unquestioned leader of the rotation after establishing himself as an All-Star-caliber starter. The Reds have expressed optimism that he could return before the All-Star break if his rehab progresses without setbacks, making each appearance an important checkpoint in his recovery timeline. While one rookie-level outing does not guarantee a smooth return, Greene’s successful debut with the ACL affiliate provided exactly what the Reds hoped to see: health, velocity, strikeouts, and another step toward rejoining Cincinnati’s rotation for the second half of the 2026 season. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

Is The Old Joe Burrow Back? Bengals Minicamp Winners & Losers Ft. Charlie Jones, Bralyn Lux & Al Golden

On today's show, we break down some Bengals mandatory minicamp winners and losers after Zac Taylor made the decision to cancel days 2 and 3 of minicamp. Plus, takeaways from Joe Burrow's press conference: Is the old Joe back? Also, the Reds get routed by the Mets in finale after a barrage of singles. The Stone Shields Show sponsors: Book an appointment at Richter & Phillips today: https://richterphillips.com/pages/chatterbox-sports Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com  Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigars! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars   Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 At his minicamp press conference on June 17, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow made headlines by comparing the 2026 Bengals to the legendary 2019 LSU team that won the national championship and is widely regarded as one of the greatest college football teams ever. Burrow said he feels “very similarly” about this Bengals roster to how he felt before LSU’s historic 15-0 season, a comparison he noted by referencing his own comments and confidence level entering that year. Burrow’s remarks reflected a level of optimism and conviction that he has not publicly expressed about previous Bengals teams. He told reporters that he wants “everybody talking about the Bengals” and emphasized how excited he is to get to training camp because he believes the team has the potential to achieve something special this season. The comparison is significant because the 2019 LSU squad featured elite talent throughout the roster, including future NFL stars such as Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. That team went undefeated, won the national championship, and helped Burrow capture the Heisman Trophy after throwing for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns. Burrow indicated that the feeling comes from the talent level, chemistry, and focus he sees in the current Bengals locker room. He pointed to the organization’s aggressive offseason moves, including adding defensive standouts such as Dexter Lawrence II, Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, and Kyle Dugger. He has also previously described this roster as the most talented Bengals team he has been around since arriving in Cincinnati. Another theme from the press conference was urgency. Burrow said he has tried to become a more vocal leader this offseason, pushing teammates to understand the level of play required if the Bengals are going to contend for a championship. In short, Burrow’s message was clear: he believes the 2026 Bengals have the talent, mindset, and potential to make a championship run, and he sees echoes of the dominant 2019 LSU team that set the standard for his football career. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

Bengals Mandatory Minicamp Day 1 Ft. Joe Burrow, Charlie Jones & Mike Gesicki, US Open + Who Should Take Brendan Sorsby?

On today's show, we discuss some takeaways from Bengals mandatory minicamp day 1 and also react to the breaking news of Zac Taylor cancelling days 2 and 3 of minicamp. Plus, the Reds take the series vs. the Mets thanks to Sal Stewart, US Open conversation and one surprise team that should be interested in Brendan Sorsby. The Stone Shields Show sponsors: Book an appointment at Richter & Phillips today: https://richterphillips.com/pages/chatterbox-sports Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com  Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigars! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars   Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 The Cincinnati Bengals opened their three-day mandatory minicamp Tuesday at Paycor Stadium, marking the final on-field work before players break for summer and reconvene for training camp in late July. After missing the playoffs for three straight seasons, the atmosphere around Day 1 carried a sense of urgency and optimism as coaches and players focused on building momentum for the 2026 season. Quarterback Joe Burrow was the center of attention throughout practice. He delivered several highlight-reel throws, including deep connections with tight end Mike Gesicki and a no-look pass during team drills. Burrow also stayed after practice for extra throwing sessions with receivers, a sign of the leadership and attention to detail that teammates have praised throughout the offseason. One of the biggest defensive highlights came from cornerback Josh Newton, who intercepted Burrow early in seven-on-seven work. Newton’s play immediately sparked discussion about his potential role in the secondary and underscored the competition taking place throughout the defensive backfield. The minicamp also serves as an opportunity for the Bengals to evaluate a roster that has undergone notable changes this offseason. New additions on defense, including defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and several veteran free agents, are expected to help improve a unit that struggled at times last year. Coaches are also closely monitoring position battles at linebacker, cornerback, and along the defensive line. With two more minicamp practices remaining, Cincinnati’s focus is on sharpening execution, developing chemistry, and establishing the foundation for a season in which expectations are once again centered on returning to playoff contention. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

Bengals Ownership Speaks, Reds Drop 12 On Mets, US Open Preview, Brendan Sorsby Declares For Supplemental NFL Draft

On today's show, we discuss what Bengals Executive Vice President Katie Blackburn and Vice President Elizabeth Blackburn had to say about the future of Zac Taylor, Duke Tobin, and Joe Burrow, as well as plans to try to bring the NFL Draft to Cincinnati. Also, Eugenio Suarez plays long ball twice in the Reds' rout of the Mets, US Open preview and Brendan Sorsby plans to apply for the NFL supplemental draft. The Stone Shields Show sponsors: Book an appointment at Richter & Phillips today: https://richterphillips.com/pages/chatterbox-sports Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com  Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigars! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars   Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Cincinnati Bengals ownership met with local media Monday and delivered a message centered on optimism, accountability and the organization’s aggressive approach to the 2026 season. Executive Vice President Katie Blackburn and Vice President Elizabeth Blackburn addressed a wide range of topics, including roster construction, the future of the coaching staff, stadium and league matters, and the club’s expectations entering training camp. The most notable comments came regarding head coach Zac Taylor and personnel chief Duke Tobin. Despite three consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance, Blackburn said the organization believes both leaders deserve another opportunity to prove they can guide the Bengals back into contention. She emphasized that ownership expects a successful season and made it clear that everyone in the building understands the importance of returning to the postseason. Ownership also discussed several major offseason moves that have generated excitement around the franchise. The Blackburns explained the recent restructuring of quarterback Joe Burrow’s contract, noting that flexibility had been built into the agreement and that the move helped create additional salary-cap room after an expensive offseason focused on improving the roster. Another significant development was the announcement that Elizabeth Blackburn has been promoted to vice president. The move further expands her role in the family-run organization and reflects an evolving front-office structure that has become more aggressive in roster building and team operations. Overall, Bengals ownership projected confidence in the team’s direction. After investing heavily in the roster and making substantial changes on the defensive side of the ball, the expectation is no longer simply to compete. The Bengals believe they have assembled a team capable of returning to the playoffs and making a meaningful postseason run in 2026. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

Bengals Mandatory Minicamp Roster Battles, Reds Drop 5th Straight Series, Knicks Win Title, Gaethje Defeats Topuria At White House

On today's show, we discuss some roster battles going into the Bengals' mandatory minicamp. Also, the Reds lose their 5th straight series, the Knicks win the NBA title, and Justin Gaethje shocks Ilia Topuria at the White House. The Stone Shields Show sponsors: Book an appointment at Richter & Phillips today: https://richterphillips.com/pages/chatterbox-sports Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com  Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigars! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars   Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 The Cincinnati Bengals begin their mandatory minicamp tomorrow, marking the final phase of the offseason program before players break for the summer and return for training camp in late July. The three-day minicamp, scheduled for June 16-18, is the last opportunity for coaches to evaluate the roster in a full-team setting before preparations for the 2026 season intensify. Unlike Organized Team Activities (OTAs), attendance at minicamp is required for all players under contract. One of the biggest storylines entering minicamp is the continued development of a defense that underwent significant changes during the offseason. Cincinnati added several experienced contributors and will use these practices to determine how new pieces fit into coordinator Al Golden’s system. The linebacker position remains an area of focus, while coaches will also evaluate how younger players progress against veteran competition. On offense, attention will naturally center on quarterback Joe Burrow and a unit expected to be among the league’s best. Minicamp offers valuable reps for establishing timing and chemistry before the long break between offseason workouts and training camp. Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has already participated in recent OTA sessions, and the Bengals will look to continue building continuity throughout the offense. The coaching staff will also be monitoring position battles and contract situations. Defensive backs entering contract years and younger players competing for larger roles could use a strong minicamp to improve their standing heading into training camp. Additionally, the Bengals are expected to continue experimenting with how they deploy defensive linemen and other versatile defenders. While no live contact is permitted, minicamp practices feature 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills, giving coaches their clearest picture yet of the roster. By Thursday’s conclusion, Cincinnati should have a much better sense of its strengths, depth chart competitions, and priorities heading into training camp and the 2026 season. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow