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Bengals DE Shemar Stewart Carted Off with Leg Injury

PUBLISHED Jul 29, 2026, 9:03 PM ET

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Bengals DE Shemar Stewart Carted Off with Leg Injury

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Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart was carted off the field during the team's first practice of training camp on Wednesday with an apparent left leg injury. The Bengals have not released any details on Stewart's injury, but he was seen with crutches and a brace on the leg after practice. Coach Zac Taylor met with the media before practice. Stewart, the Bengals' first-round draft pick in 2025, is entering an important training camp as he works on solidifying his role on the depth chart. His rookie season was inconsistent, and the hope entering camp was that he would get enough reps to put the challenging season behind him. Stewart wasn't a participant at the start of training camp last year because he still hadn't signed his rookie contract. He also didn't participate in rookie minicamp or any offseason practices because he didn't sign a practice waiver. Given all the time off the field, Stewart was behind when he started practicing. He showed flashes in the first two weeks of the season but then suffered an injury in Week 2 against Jacksonville, missed time and was banged up for most of the eight games he played. The Bengals invested heavily at defensive end in the offseason with free agent Boye Mafe and second-round pick Cashius Howell. Myles Murphy, their 2023 first-round pick, is a projected starter. Cedric Johnson, a 2024 sixth-round pick, and Isaiah Foskey, claimed off waivers last season, are behind Stewart on the depth chart. Defensive tackle BJ Hill and tight end Josh Kattus are out with undisclosed injuries at the start of camp. Everyone else on the roster was in uniform on Wednesday.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

· On May 2025, Stewart did not participate in rookie minicamp unsigned.
· On July 2025, Stewart held out of training camp start unsigned.
· On July 25, 2025, Stewart signed four-year $18.97M rookie contract.
· On September 2025, Stewart suffered right ankle injury Week 2.
· On November 2025, Stewart suffered knee injury and placed on IR.
· On December 2025, Stewart returned from knee injury for limited games.
· On 2025 season, Stewart recorded one sack in eight games played.
· On July 2026, defensive coordinator Al Golden praised Stewart's offseason development.
· On July 28, 2026, Bengals opened training camp with Stewart expected starter.
· On July 29, 2026, Stewart injured on second snap of team drills.
· On July 29, 2026, Stewart carted off with apparent left leg injury.
· On July 29, 2026, Stewart seen on crutches with protective leg brace.
· On July 29, 2026, Bengals did not release injury severity details.
· On July 29, 2026, imaging performed at Paycor Stadium on Stewart's knee.
· On July 30, 2026, no official team update on Stewart's status yet.
· Team expected to announce injury severity after further medical evaluation.
· Stewart likely faces extended absence if knee ligament damage confirmed.
· Bengals may sign free agent defensive end for depth replacement.
· Isaiah Foskey and Cedric Johnson could see increased defensive reps.
· Preseason opener August 13 against Lions without Stewart possible.
· Stewart's development may be significantly delayed by this setback.
· Bengals defensive line depth will be tested early in camp.
· Recovery timeline depends on imaging results and specialist consultation.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Bengals lose key defensive end on camp's first day.
Possible long-term US impact: Stewart's injury may derail Cincinnati's defensive line rebuild plans.
Most affected groups: Bengals fans, defensive line rotation, AFC North playoff race.
What readers should prioritise: Monitor Bengals official channels for injury severity update.

Media Bias