Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart is back on the practice field, a huge relief after the terrifying sight of him being carted off just five weeks ago. ESPN’s Ben Baby dropped the news that Stewart was out there on Wednesday.
From Cart-Off to Comeback: The Quick Turnaround
Remember that first practice of training camp on July 29? Stewart hyperextended his left knee, and it looked *bad*. Everyone held their breath, fearing the worst. But an MRI proved the best news possible: no ligament damage. The guy grinded through five weeks of rehab to get back, and yeah, he was sporting a brace on that left knee Wednesday, but he’s there.
The No. 17 Pick Needs to Stay on the Field
This is the No. 17 overall pick from the 2025 draft we’re talking about. His rookie season saw him battle injuries to his right ankle and that same left knee, limiting him to eight games and five starts. He still managed one sack, two tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, and a pass defensed. The talent is clearly there, but he just can’t seem to shake these nicks and bruises.
With the regular season kicking off, getting Stewart back is huge for the Bengals. He’s a key piece, and they need him. Now, the big question is how that knee holds up through a full season. Every snap he takes will be watched closely, because this team needs their top draft pick healthy and making plays.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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