Full Breakdown
Shemar Stewart Carted Off Bengals Training Camp Practice
7/29/2026, 8:31:04 PM
Core Event
During the Cincinnati Bengals’ opening training-camp session on July 29, 2026, second-year defensive end Shemar Stewart was forced to leave the field after sustaining an apparent leg injury. He limped off, was attended by trainers, and was ultimately carted to the locker room for further evaluation, according to a report from *Cincinnati.com*.
Background & Recent Injury History
Stewart entered the NFL as the Bengals’ first-round selection in the 2025 draft out of Texas A&M. He appeared in eight games as a rookie before a knee injury in November 2025 placed him on the reserve/injured list. Earlier in that season he also missed time after a right-ankle injury in Week 2 against Jacksonville, which occurred when teammate linebacker Logan Wilson rolled into him, as noted by the same source. In August 2025, Stewart was featured in a preseason matchup against the Washington Commanders, underscoring his ongoing battle to stay healthy.
Timeline of Setbacks
- 2025 draft: Selected in the first round.
- Nov 2025: Knee injury -> IR.
- Week 2, 2025 season: Ankle injury vs. Jacksonville.
- August 2025: Appeared in preseason game (photo evidence).
- July 29, 2026: Training-camp practice injury (leg/knee).
Impact on Defensive Plans
Stewart’s repeated absences have limited his development and reduced the depth of the Bengals’ defensive-end rotation. If the July 2026 injury proves serious, the team may need to rely more heavily on veteran players and recent draft picks to fill the gap, a concern highlighted by analysts following the camp.
Official Statements & Coaching Outlook
At the same July 29 press conference, head coach Zac Taylor praised quarterback Joe Burrow’s “lack of ego” as a key factor for the offense, but offered no specific comment on Stewart’s condition. Taylor’s remarks focused on overall team culture rather than the injury itself.
