Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart suffered a hyperextended left knee during the first day of training camp but avoided serious ligament damage, according to head coach Zac Taylor and NFL insiders. The 2025 first-round pick will miss several weeks but is expected to return “sooner rather than later.”6
This positive update comes as a major relief for Bengals fans after Stewart was carted off the practice field Wednesday in a scary-looking incident that raised immediate concerns about a potentially season-altering injury.
What Happened to Shemar Stewart at Bengals Training Camp?
On July 29, 2026, during the Bengals’ first 11-on-11 team period of training camp at the Kettering Health practice fields, Stewart went down on just his second rep. Lined up against offensive lineman Cody Ford, the edge rusher’s left knee hyperextended awkwardly as he was engaged and fell to the ground.7
Stewart immediately grabbed his left leg, was unable to put any weight on it, and required assistance from trainers. After evaluation on the field, he was carted off. Video of the play showed the knee bending in an unnatural direction, prompting widespread concern among fans and media. Later reports noted Stewart was on crutches with a protective brace.8
Initial fears included possible ligament tears, especially given Stewart’s injury history. However, further evaluation brought better news.
Zac Taylor’s Injury Update on Shemar Stewart
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, July 30, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed the diagnosis:
“He fortunately avoided major injury. He hyperextended his knee, it will be several weeks. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly how much of training camp that will be. Very fortunate, because it obviously looked bad. The good news is, we’ll be getting him back sooner rather than later.”7
ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport independently reported that Stewart suffered only a hyperextended knee with no ligament damage. One source told them simply, “He’s good.” Rapoport noted Stewart is “naturally bendy,” which may have helped him avoid worse damage.32
The timeline of “several weeks” means Stewart will miss a significant portion of training camp, but he has a realistic chance of being ready for the regular-season opener on September 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.10
Shemar Stewart’s Background and Injury History
Selected 17th overall by the Bengals in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, Stewart arrived with high expectations as a long, athletic edge defender (listed around 6-5, 267 pounds). His rookie season was challenging. A contract dispute delayed his start to training camp, followed by an ankle injury that cost him four games early and a knee injury later that landed him on injured reserve. He finished 2025 with just 11 tackles and one sack in eight games.6
Entering 2026, Stewart was viewed as a potential breakout candidate and key piece of the Bengals’ pass-rush rotation after Trey Hendrickson’s departure. The team added veteran Boye Mafe and selected another edge in the draft to bolster the group, but coaches had emphasized Stewart’s development as a priority.
This latest setback continues a pattern of lower-body injuries for the young defender, though the current diagnosis is far less severe than many feared after watching the video.
Impact on the Bengals Defense and 2026 Outlook
Missing several weeks of camp is not ideal for a second-year player still refining his craft, particularly in a competitive edge room. However, the absence of ligament damage means Stewart should avoid the long recovery associated with major knee injuries.
The Bengals’ defensive line depth will be tested in the short term. Players like Myles Murphy, Boye Mafe, and others will likely see increased opportunities during Stewart’s recovery. For fantasy football and season-long projections, Stewart’s outlook remains intact for a mid-to-late season contribution, provided he progresses as expected.
Overall, this ranks as one of the better possible outcomes for a cart-off injury that looked as bad as it did. Bengals fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their young edge prospect is expected back this season rather than facing a long-term absence.
Stewart will undergo treatment and follow a careful rehab plan as the Bengals continue training camp. Further updates on his exact return timeline are expected in the coming weeks as he progresses.