Bengals Keeping Or Cutting TJ Slaton? Shemar Stewart Year 2 Expectations, Nick Lodolo Returns To Form vs. Mets

Ja'Marr Chase Breaks Silence, Elly De La Cruz Injury, Joey McGuire Responds To Steve Sarkisian

On today's show, we discuss Ja'Marr Chase breaking his silence at his youth football camp on his absence from Bengals OTAs and Cincinnati's offseason moves. Plus, Elly De La Cruz left Sunday's game vs. the Braves with a hamstring injury and Joey McGuire responds to Steve Sarkisian.  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 Elly De La Cruz gave the Cincinnati Reds and their fans a scare Sunday when he exited a 6-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves with right hamstring tightness. The injury occurred in the fifth inning at Great American Ball Park when De La Cruz drove a ball into right-center field that appeared destined to be an extra-base hit. As he rounded first base, however, he suddenly slowed, grabbed at his leg area, and retreated to first rather than attempting to stretch the hit into a double. Trainers quickly came onto the field, and De La Cruz was removed from the game as a precaution. Before leaving, De La Cruz had been one of the Reds’ most productive players on the afternoon. He went 2-for-2 with a walk, stole a base, and scored two runs, helping Cincinnati avoid a series sweep against Atlanta. His departure immediately raised concerns because of his importance to the Reds’ lineup and his reputation as one of baseball’s most dynamic athletes. After the game, De La Cruz sounded cautiously optimistic. Through an interpreter, he explained that he felt tightness while making the turn around first base and chose to stop running because continuing might have caused more serious damage. Reds manager Terry Francona echoed that sentiment, saying the club hoped the star shortstop had recognized the issue early enough to avoid a significant strain. An MRI was scheduled for Monday to determine the extent of the injury. The timing is especially concerning because De La Cruz has been remarkably durable, appearing in 276 consecutive games and starting all 58 Reds games this season. Entering Sunday, the 24-year-old was batting .280 with 12 home runs, 37 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases, positioning himself for another All-Star campaign. Any absence would be a major blow to Cincinnati’s playoff hopes. For now, the Reds are waiting on MRI results, but the initial reaction from both De La Cruz and the organization suggests cautious optimism that the injury may be minor rather than a long-term setback. #Reds #Bengals #TheStoneShieldsShow

Zac Taylor On Hot Seat Entering 2026? Ja'Marr Chase Not At OTAs + Reds Players On Pace For Awards, Vikings QB Controversy

On today's show, we discuss how much pressure is on Zac Taylor entering 2026, whether Joe Burrow should change his play style, Ja'Marr Chase's absence from OTAs, and a possible year 2 leap for Shemar Stewart. Plus, 3 Cincinnati Reds on pace for season-long awards and QB controversy in Minnesota. 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 Entering the 2026 NFL season, Zac Taylor may be facing the most pressure of his tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals. While Taylor helped guide Cincinnati to a Super Bowl appearance and back-to-back AFC Championship Games earlier in the decade, the Bengals have struggled to maintain that momentum in recent years. Consecutive disappointing seasons, paired with growing expectations around franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, have many analysts wondering whether 2026 could be a make-or-break year for the head coach. Several national outlets have already identified Taylor as one of the NFL coaches under the most scrutiny entering the season. FOX Sports and Bleacher Report both placed him near the top of recent “hot seat” rankings after the Bengals failed to return to playoff contention. Critics argue that Cincinnati has too much offensive talent to continue underachieving, especially with Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins still forming one of the league’s premier offensive cores. The frustration largely stems from inconsistency. The Bengals’ defense regressed badly over the last two seasons, and questionable game management decisions have frequently drawn criticism from fans and media alike. Even though ownership has historically been patient with coaches, another losing season could force the organization to reevaluate its direction. Some reports have even suggested there is concern about keeping Burrow satisfied long term if the franchise continues to stagnate. Still, Taylor retains support within the organization because of the culture he helped build after years of irrelevance. Players have consistently praised his leadership, and ownership values stability more than many NFL franchises. But in a league driven by results, patience can disappear quickly. If Cincinnati misses the playoffs again in 2026, Taylor’s seat may go from warm to impossible to survive. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

Bengals Ring Of Honor, DJ Turner Extension? Reds Drop Finale But Win Series Ft. Another Andrew Abbott Quality Start, Travis Steele Extension

On today's show, we discuss the latest Bengals Ring Of Honor nominees and break down why the system is flawed. Plus, the Reds strand 17 men on base to drop the finale in New York. Also, Travis Steele inks an extension with Miami. 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 Reds missed a chance to complete a three-game sweep Wednesday night, falling 4-2 to the New York Mets at Citi Field. Despite plenty of opportunities, Cincinnati could not deliver the big hit when it mattered most, stranding 17 runners in a frustrating offensive performance. The Mets struck early when Juan Soto launched a solo home run in the first inning off Reds starter Andrew Abbott. New York added another run in the second on a solo shot from Eric Wagaman, giving the Mets a quick 2-0 advantage. Abbott settled down after the rough start and kept Cincinnati in the game, finishing with six innings pitched while allowing three runs, only two of them earned. His outing snapped a personal four-game winning streak, though he continued what has been a strong month overall. The Reds chipped away in the third inning when Nathaniel Lowe drove in a run with an RBI single. Cincinnati tied things closer again in the sixth after rookie Sal Stewart delivered another RBI hit. However, every time the Reds appeared ready to seize momentum, the Mets answered. Rookie Carson Benge proved to be the difference-maker for New York, collecting two clutch RBI singles, including an insurance run in the seventh inning. Cincinnati’s biggest issue was situational hitting. The Reds repeatedly put runners on base but failed to capitalize, leaving scoring chances wasted throughout the night. In the ninth inning, the Mets nearly opened the door again when closer Devin Williams loaded the bases, but he recovered to strike out the final two Reds hitters and secure the save. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

Bengals Practice Takeaways Ft. Shemar Stewart & Dexter Lawrence, Chase Burns Excellence, Reds Back On Track, Brendan Sorsby Latest

On today's show, we discuss another impressive outing for Chase Burns as the Reds have seemingly gotten their season back on track. Plus, Bengals practice takeaways from Dan Hoard ft. Joe Burrow, Shemar Stewart and Dexter Lawrence. Also, a Brendan Sorsby update as court date approaches. 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 Chase Burns continues to pitch like one of baseball’s emerging superstars, and Tuesday night against the New York Mets was simply the latest example. The hard-throwing right-hander overpowered New York in the Major League Baseball matchup, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a convincing 7-2 victory at Citi Field. Burns worked 5 1/3 innings, allowed just two runs, struck out eight, and once again looked completely in control against a lineup featuring dangerous hitters like Juan Soto. For most of the night, the Mets had no answers for Burns’ elite combination of velocity and movement. His fastball touched 100 mph multiple times, while his devastating slider generated swing-and-miss after swing-and-miss. According to MLB coverage, Mets hitters went just 1-for-7 against the slider with six strikeouts, continuing a trend that has made Burns one of the toughest pitchers in baseball to square up this season. The only real blemish came in the sixth inning, when Soto launched a two-run homer to right field. Even then, Burns never appeared rattled. He attacked hitters aggressively, worked efficiently, and carried a one-hit shutout deep into the outing before Soto finally broke through. By the time Burns exited, the Reds had already built a comfortable lead thanks to timely offense from Elly De La Cruz, Eugenio Suárez, and Tyler Stephenson. What stands out most is Burns’ consistency. The 23-year-old improved to 7-1 with a 1.96 ERA and has now won four straight starts. Over his last four outings, he owns a sparkling 1.54 ERA, and in May he has looked every bit like a future ace. The Reds believe they have a cornerstone pitcher, and performances like Tuesday’s are proving them right. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

Bengals Keeping Or Cutting TJ Slaton? Shemar Stewart Year 2 Expectations, Nick Lodolo Returns To Form vs. Mets

On today's show, we discuss Nick Lodolo looking like his typical self in a strong 6-inning outing vs. the Mets. Plus, are the Bengals thinking about cutting TJ Slaton to free up cap space? Shemar Stewart year 2 expectations and why Myles Murphy has the right mindset after Cincinnati decided not to pick up his fifth-year option. 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 EDGE Myles Murphy enters the 2026 season with more pressure than at any other point in his career. Drafted in the first round in 2023, Murphy was expected to become a cornerstone pass rusher opposite Trey Hendrickson. Instead, his first three seasons have produced flashes of talent without the consistent dominance the Bengals envisioned when they invested a premium pick in him. That is why 2026 feels like a true make-or-break campaign. Cincinnati already declined Murphy’s fifth-year option, a major signal that the organization still is not fully convinced he deserves long-term star money. The Bengals have also aggressively rebuilt the defensive line, adding veterans and drafting more edge rushers, creating immediate competition for snaps and future roster spots. To Murphy’s credit, there were signs of growth late in 2025. He posted career highs in tackles and sacks while finally showing the disruptive ability that made him a standout at Clemson. Bengals coaches and executives still believe his best football could be ahead of him, but belief alone will not earn him a second contract. Production will. The timing also matters for Cincinnati as a franchise. The Bengals remain built around Joe Burrow and an elite offense, but the defense has consistently held the team back during recent playoff pushes. Murphy now has a chance to become the impact defender this roster desperately needs. If he breaks out with double-digit sacks and consistent pressure, he could secure a lucrative extension and solidify himself as a long-term building block. If he struggles again, however, the Bengals may decide to move forward with younger and cheaper pass rushers. For Murphy, 2026 is no longer about potential. It is about proving he can finally become the player Cincinnati drafted him to be. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow