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Bengals Rookie Shemar Stewart Goes Down: Injury Scare at Camp
Bengals Rookie Star Shemar Stewart Carted Off Field with Leg Injury at Training Camp
What Happened at Practice Today
Date: July 29, 2026
Time: 11:29 a.m. ET
Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp
During today’s training camp practice, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart suffered an apparent leg injury. Here’s what we know so far:
- Stewart was participating in drills when he went down
- He limped off the field under his own power initially
- Team trainers immediately attended to him on the sideline
- Shortly after, he was carted off the practice field for further evaluation
Important Update: The exact nature and severity of the injury have not been officially announced by the team. We’ll update this article as more information becomes available.
Who Is Shemar Stewart?
For those new to Bengals football, here’s a quick primer on Stewart:
- Position: Defensive End (edge rusher)
- Draft Status: First-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft (17th overall)
- College: Texas A&M Aggies
- Rookie Season (2025): Played in 8 games before injury ended his season
Stewart’s Injury History: A Concerning Pattern
This isn’t Stewart’s first significant injury since joining the NFL. Here’s a timeline:
1. Week 2, 2025 Season — Right Ankle Injury
- Game: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Cause: Got rolled up on by teammate Logan Wilson
- Result: Left game in fourth quarter
2. November 2025 — Knee Injury
- Status: Placed on Reserve/Injured List (season-ending)
- Games Missed: Remainder of 2025 season
3. July 29, 2026 — Current Leg Injury
- Setting: Training camp practice
- Status: Carted off field, evaluation pending
Why This Matters for the Bengals
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Draft Investment | 1st-round picks are expected to be franchise cornerstones |
| Defensive Need | Bengals need pass rush help off the edge |
| Development Time | Missing practice reps slows a young player’s growth |
| Durability Questions | Three injuries in ~10 months raises red flags |
What Happens Next? (Step-by-Step)
- Medical Evaluation — Team doctors will examine Stewart (likely MRI/X-rays)
- Official Diagnosis — Bengals will announce injury type and severity
- Timeline Estimate — Recovery timetable will be provided
- Roster Decisions — Team may sign free agent depth if long-term
- Rehab Process — Stewart begins recovery with training staff
What Fans Should Know
Key Takeaways:
- Stewart is a core piece of Cincinnati’s defensive future
- Training camp injuries are unfortunately common
- The cart suggests at least moderate concern (precautionary or otherwise)
- No timeline exists yet — avoid speculation until official word
- Bengals have depth at defensive end but lose top-tier talent
Summary
Cincinnati Bengals 2025 first-round pick Shemar Stewart suffered a leg injury during training camp practice on July 29, 2026. After initially limping off, he was carted from the field for evaluation. This marks his third significant injury in less than a year (ankle, knee, now leg). The team has not released an official diagnosis or timeline. Stewart played just 8 games as a rookie before a season-ending knee injury. His availability for the 2026 season is now in question.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How serious is being "carted off" vs. walking off?
Being carted usually means the medical staff doesn’t want the player putting weight on the injury. It can be precautionary, but often indicates at least a moderate concern — more serious than walking off under own power.
2. What is the "Reserve/Injured List"?
This is NFL terminology for Injured Reserve (IR). A player placed here cannot play for a minimum of 4 games (since 2020 rules). It frees up a roster spot for the team to sign a replacement.
3. Can Stewart still play in 2026 if injured now?
Yes, depending on severity. Many training camp injuries (sprains, bone bruises, minor fractures) heal in weeks. Only severe tears (ACL, Achilles) or complex fractures typically end seasons before they start.
4. Who replaces Stewart if he misses time?
The Bengals have Sam Hubbard, Joseph Ossai, and Myles Murphy as returning edge rushers. They could also sign a veteran free agent or elevate a practice squad player.
5. Is this a "bust" pick for the Bengals?
Way too early to say. Injuries ≠ lack of talent. Many great players (Nick Bosa, Micah Parsons) missed significant rookie time. "Bust" labels require multiple healthy seasons of poor production — not bad luck with health.
