NFL season is just weeks away with teams getting a final evaluation of their roster before the summer break. A majority of the 32 teams have completed their mandatory minicamp practices and have moved into the summer break.

With OTA's and mandatory minicamp now concluded, and the Bengals going their separate ways for about five weeks prior to the start of preseason training camp, plenty was said about the supposed forward steps by Cincinnati's defense under first-year coordinator Al Golden.

There were big plays, non-first-round rookies in key spots and the simple fact Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were present and looked good. There’s even system continuity and, for the most part, not major roster turnover.

With a contract impasse over an esoteric clause regarding the potential voiding of the future years of his guaranteed four-year rookie deal, Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart has left the team’s mandatory minicamp. Because he’s not under contract, he had every right to leave if he wanted.

Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart's contract dispute continues. Stewart left the final day of Bengals minicamp Thursday.

The Cincinnati Bengals had some notable standout players over a handful of days at mandatory minicamp this week. Some were expected, like Joe Burrow and his star wideouts such as Ja’Marr Chase looking good.

Bengals first-round rookie Shemar Stewart skipped the final day of mandatory minicamp after sounding off on his lingering contract dispute earlier this week. Zac Taylor said he had “good communication” with Stewart before the pass rusher left.

Cincinnati Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart did not attend the final day of the team's mandatory minicamp on Thursday amid a contract dispute that has prevented him from beginning his practices with the team since being drafted in the first round in April.

Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart had been a spectator at the team practices this summer, but was not present as the team wrapped up its summer program.

Cincinnati Bengals Player Speaks Out After Shemar Stewart Leaves Minicamp "It's not the best-case scenario of how the spring could have gone for our first-round pick," Karras said. "But there is a pretty serious business aspect to our profession. He has taken counsel from his camp."