Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart was carted off the field after he suffered an injury during the training camp that commenced on Wednesday, July 29. Stewart has struggled with recurring injuries since last season.

The 22-year-old was seen participating in an 11-on-11 team drill when his knee bent at an awkward angle, after which he went down. The trainers checked him, and a golf cart was then used to take him off the field. He was later spotted in a protective leg brace and walking on crutches.

"Bengals DE Shemar Stewart waiting official prognosis on left leg injury to determine severity after he was carted off the field today," ESPN reporter Ben Baby wrote on X on July 29. "In crutches and a protective brace on the left leg after today’s practice."

The youngster was the No. 17 overall pick by the Bengals in the 2025 NFL Draft, and signed a four-year, fully guaranteed $18.97 million contract including a $10.4 million signing bonus.

He didn't take part in the team's offseason workouts and the first week of camp last year because of a language dispute in the contract. Though it was sorted out, Stewart's rookie season did not go as planned.

Stewart suffered a right ankle injury during the Week 2 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 14, with the Bengals winning 31-27. Then, in the Week 9 game against the Chicago Bears on November 2, during which he suffered a knee injury, the Bears won 42-47.

Because of the recurrent injuries, he was only able to play eight games last season and had only one sack, along with three quarterback knockdowns and two quarterback hurries.

Seeing his injury, a former NFL doctor has also stepped in to give his thoughts.

Former NFL doctor reviews Shemar Stewart's latest injury

Former NFL doctor, David J. Chao, who worked as Head and Team Physician with the Los Angeles Chargers for 16 years, has also chimed in to give his thoughts on the injury.

"Shemar Stewart. Significant knee hyperextension injury with ligament tears. Worry for season ending injury," Chao wrote on X on July 29. "Hope he can avoid associated nerve damage."

Most mild to moderate knee hyperextension sprains improve in 2–4 weeks. ACL surgery is considered the best treatment for a torn ACL and has a high success rate, but returning to normal activity often takes 6 months or more.

It is still unclear how long Stewart will be out of the training camp. Cincinnati spent aggressively on defensive end this offseason after losing Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai. The team added Boye Mafe and drafted Cashius Howell, giving Al Golden a group that also includes Stewart and Myles Murphy.

Stewart is viewed as an important player for Al Golden because he can play multiple positions and brings strong athletic ability. It is a setback as the Bengals look to qualify for the playoffs this season after missing out on it for the past three years.

Will Stewart return on time? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar