The Bengals got their final Week 1 injury update Friday, and it brought one clear piece of good news ahead of Sunday’s opener against Tampa Bay: Zac Taylor said DJ Turner II is good to go. Taylor also said Shemar Stewart is doubtful.
The timing matters because this was the last major status check before kickoff, with Cincinnati finishing the week trying to sort out who would be available on defense. Turner and Stewart had both been downgraded to limited on Thursday, then remained limited on the final Week 1 injury report Friday before Taylor gave the latest read on their status.
What it means for Week 1
For the Bengals, Turner’s availability is the cleaner takeaway. If he is indeed ready for Sunday, that gives Cincinnati one more defender it can count on as it opens the season. Stewart’s outlook is less certain, and the doubtful designation suggests the Bengals are more likely to be without him when they line up against Tampa Bay.
The update also fits into the broader tone around the Bengals this week. On Wednesday, Joe Burrow spoke about a Super Bowl mindset, stressing the importance of bringing that approach every day in practice, meetings and the weight room. He also made clear that the team will have to prove itself on Sundays, not just talk about its goals.
That message lines up with the reality of Week 1. Cincinnati is still finalizing its opening-day availability, and the first game of the season will offer an early look at how ready the roster really is. For now, the latest word is simple: DJ Turner II is expected to be available, while Shemar Stewart is still trending toward missing the opener.
