RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. The Cincinnati Bengals invested a lot in revamping their defense this offseason, but one of their key defenders may miss a significant period of time after suffering a concerning injury Wednesday during training camp.
Shemar Stewart, Cincinnati’s first-round pick in 2025, was carted off the field Wednesday after suffering an apparent leg injury. He was spotted later with a brace on his left leg and he was moving around on crutches, according to ESPN.
Video of the incident shows Stewart’s left leg bending the opposite direction as he’s pushed to the ground by an opposing blocker.
While no details about Stewart’s injury have been released just yet, prominent sports doctor David Chao is concerned that the damage to his knee could cost Stewart the entire season.
“Shemar Stewart: Significant knee hyperextension injury with ligament tears. Worry for season ending injury. Hope he can avoid associated nerve damage,” Chao wrote on X.
After missing half the season last year due to injuries, Stewart was starting build some momentum heading into his second year. Defensive coordinator Al Golden even praised him earlier in the week before players reported to camp.
“He gives us great versatility,” Golden said. “We should see a huge jump with him, to be honest with you.”
The 22-year-old Stewart played just eight games as a rookie last year, totaling 13 pressures, 10 hurries, 11 tackles, one sack, and two QB hits. If he does, indeed, miss the entire season, it would be a gut punch to Cincinnati’s pass-rush unit.
Without him, the Bengals would have to rely on Boye Mafe, Myles Murphy, Isaiah Foskey, and rookie second-round pick Cashius Howell.
If the Bengals need to replace Stewart in the lineup, they could turn to the free-agent market where Joey Bosa, Jadeveon Clowney, Haason Redick, Leonard Floyd, Denico Autry, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Von Miller are all looking for new teams.
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