Shemar Stewart’s Camp Stalls Again
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart suffered a hyperextended knee during the first day of training camp. The injury forced him off the field on a cart. Adam Schefter reported that Stewart will undergo treatment for the damage. Sources say the team believes no ligament damage occurred, but the setback is still real. Stewart was spotted on crutches with a protective brace on his left leg. This is the latest blow for a player who has struggled to stay healthy since arriving. The Bengals need their 2025 first-round pick to contribute, yet he keeps hitting walls. Fans expected a breakout, but the timeline just got pushed back again.
The Injury Timeline and Contract Drama
Stewart’s injury happened right when the team needed him to prove himself. He battled injuries last season and only totaled one sack in eight games. His presence on the field has been inconsistent at best. The situation started before he even stepped on the grass. Stewart did not join training camp last year until his rookie contract was signed. He also missed rookie minicamp and offseason practices since he didn’t sign a practice waiver. That time off the field put him behind before the season even began. Jacksonville saw him play well initially, yet an injury struck again in Week 2. Banged up for the majority of his eight appearances, he lost significant time. Now, a hyperextended knee adds to that long list of missed opportunities. Defensive end received major investment from the Bengals this offseason via free agent Boye Mafe and second-round selection Cashius Howell. Projected as a starter is Myles Murphy, the team’s 2023 first-round pick. Cedric Johnson and Isaiah Foskey sit behind Stewart on the depth chart. Every step backward for Stewart pushes the others forward in the rotation. The team cannot afford to wait much longer for their top pick to become reliable.
A Critical Test for the Bengals’ Front
This injury is a massive problem for Cincinnati’s defensive plans. Stewart was supposed to be a key piece of the pass rush alongside Murphy. Now, the team must rely on guys who were brought in as depth. Mafe and Howell are talented, but they cannot carry the entire load. Stewart needs to get healthy fast, or the Bengals will lose depth they cannot afford to lose. The fact that he is on crutches days into camp is alarming. It shows his body is fragile and prone to breaking down under pressure. The coaching staff must be frustrated. They drafted him high, paid him well, and now he can barely walk. The league punishes teams that can’t keep their stars on the field. If Stewart misses significant time, the depth chart flips instantly. Johnson and Foskey get more reps, but they are not the same caliber of player. The Bengals need a healthy Stewart to compete in a tough division. Without him, their defensive line looks thin and vulnerable. This is a must-fix situation before the regular season starts. The clock is ticking, and the window for development is shrinking every day.
What Happens Next
Stewart will have treatment for the hyperextended knee. The team will monitor his progress closely. There is no concrete date set for his return to practice in the reports. He must clear the medical evaluation before he can run or hit. The Bengals will likely move forward without him for the next few days of camp. Fans will watch to see if he can practice by the end of the week. The next scheduled event is the continuation of training camp drills. Stewart must prove he can handle contact before the season opener. The team needs answers soon.
