Bengals call off minicamp early

June 17, 2026 - 20:54

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor surprised players and staff on Wednesday by calling off the team's mandatory minicamp a day early. The decision came after the squad completed its final practice session, with Taylor opting to release the roster ahead of the scheduled conclusion on Thursday.

Taylor explained that the early dismissal was a reward for the team's strong attendance and effort during the offseason program. He emphasized that the players had met all the necessary benchmarks for conditioning and installation of the playbook. "They earned it," Taylor said, noting that the extra day off would allow players to rest before the long break leading into training camp.

The move is not unprecedented in the NFL, where coaches sometimes use the final minicamp day as a motivational tool. For the Bengals, it signals confidence in the team's preparation. Players were seen leaving the facility with positive energy, many heading straight for the airport or planning short getaways. The team will reconvene in late July for the start of training camp, where the focus will shift to final roster battles and game-ready execution.