Shemar Stewart was carted off the field during the Cincinnati Bengals' first training camp practice after suffering an apparent injury, a worrying moment for a player expected to be an important part of the team's defensive plan.
The sight of a rookie or young player leaving on a cart can always cause concern, but camp history does offer one small note of caution: not every cart ride turns into a major setback. Sometimes it is nothing more than a precaution, even when trainers are involved and the player does not return immediately.
Why Stewart matters to the Bengals
Stewart, who was the Bengals' first-round pick in 2025, arrives with expectation attached. The team has not hidden the fact that it wants him to become a meaningful piece of the pass rush, and that is why any injury scare at this stage matters so much.
His path into his second season has already been shaped by a difficult rookie year. Before camp, Stewart had worked through a normal buildup after a year affected by a post-draft contract standoff and multiple nagging injuries. That makes the timing of this latest setback even more frustrating for both the player and the Bengals.
The Bengals have built depth, but Stewart still stands out
Cincinnati did add to the edge group this offseason, signing Boye Mafe and drafting Cashius Howell. That gives the Bengals more cover than they had before, but it does not make Stewart any less important.
The real question now is whether this was only a precautionary cart ride or the sign of something more serious. Until there is more clarity, the Bengals will have to wait and see how their first-round pick responds after an early blow to training camp.
