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Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart suffered a hyperextended knee during the team's opening training camp practice on Wednesday (July 29). The second-year player, who was the Bengals' first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, avoided ligament damage, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Stewart was seen using crutches and wearing a brace on his left leg during practice today.
The injury occurred when Stewart's left foot awkwardly planted in the turf, leading to the hyperextension. He was carted off the field after being tended to by athletic trainers. Despite the scare, Stewart is expected to receive treatment and recover without surgery. "He's good," a source told Schefter and Rapoport, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Stewart's rookie season in 2025 was marred by injuries, causing him to miss nine games due to an ankle injury and a separate knee issue. The Bengals drafted him to bolster a defense that has struggled in recent years. Stewart's return to full health is crucial for the team's defensive plans this season.
While some reports, such as one from Sports Injury Central, raised concerns about potential ligament tears, the Bengals have not confirmed any such damage. Further imaging is expected to clarify the extent of Stewart's injury.
Teammate Dexter Lawrence expressed optimism about Stewart's recovery, stating, "He's been working really hard this offseason. Hopefully, he'll be OK," as reported by WHIO.