Bengals Receive Concerning Injury Update on First-Round Pick Shemar Stewart
The Cincinnati Bengals have announced that rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart will be placed on injured reserve. This decision follows a knee injury he sustained during a game against the Chicago Bears in Week 9. Stewart, a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, will be sidelined for at least four games but could return later this season.
Bengals Defensive Line Challenges
Before his injury, Stewart contributed significantly, recording six tackles and one quarterback hit across five games. His season has been marred by another injury; he missed four games earlier due to an ankle issue.
Other Defensive Players Affected
The Bengals are also facing challenges with star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is currently dealing with a hip injury. Coach Zac Taylor remains optimistic about the remaining defensive line depth, mentioning players like:
- Joseph Ossai, who has three sacks this season
- Miles Murphy
- Cam Sample
- Cedric Johnson, who recently made his season debut
Cedric Johnson’s return is significant, and he is expected to play a substantial role in the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Coach Taylor expressed his excitement about Johnson’s presence on the field, citing his strong impression during training and the spring.
Statistical Overview
The Bengals have struggled with consistent pass rush production this season, as only six players have recorded sacks. Hendrickson leads the group with four, while Ossai trails him with three. Johnson’s involvement moving forward could be pivotal for the team’s defensive strategy.
As the Bengals look ahead to their matchup with the Steelers, they continue to adjust their roster and gameplay in response to injuries. Stay updated with the latest Bengals news and coverage at El-Balad.
