Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart is finally set to make his season debut this Sunday, and honestly, it’s about time. After missing the first game of the season, fans are ready to see the talent that made him the 17th overall pick just last year.
Back From a Bumpy Start
Stewart’s path to the field this year has been a headache already. He sat out Week 1 after hyperextending his left knee, an injury he picked up way back in the team’s very first training camp practice. Talk about a frustrating start! Bengals coach Zac Taylor is clearly itching to get him out there, telling Ben Baby of ESPN, “Obviously, the talent we drafted in the first round, that’s why he’s here. And so I’m just excited to get him back in the fold and get him some reps.” It’s a clear message: the team needs their guy, and they need him now.
Rookie Year Woes Still Loom Large
But let’s be real: this isn’t just a one-off minor injury. Stewart’s rookie season in 2025 was a total mess, plagued by both a contract dispute and a string of injuries. He battled a lingering ankle injury early on, and then, BAM, a torn posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee knocked him out in Week 9. When you’re a first-round pick, appearing in only eight games with just six tackles and a single sack is not the kind of production anyone expects. That’s a brutal stat line for such a high investment.
What This Sunday Means
So, Sunday isn’t just another game for Shemar Stewart. It’s a chance to finally prove why he was a top-20 pick, why the Bengals invested so heavily in him. Every snap he takes will be under a microscope. Can he stay healthy? Can he deliver the impact he was drafted for? This is a huge moment for him to shake off that brutal rookie season and show everyone what he’s truly capable of. Fans will be watching intently to see if he can finally turn the corner.
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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