UPDATE: Stewart is expected to miss multiple weeks after suffering a hyperextended left knee during the Bengals' first training camp practice. The rookie defensive end was carted off the field following the injury and underwent imaging to determine the extent of the damage. While the mechanism initially raised concern for a season-ending injury, head coach Zac Taylor said the results were more encouraging, with Stewart avoiding the worst-case scenario. He will continue his rehabilitation with the expectation of returning later this season once the knee has fully healed.

Original Post 7/29/2026

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart suffered an apparent left knee injury during Wednesday's opening training camp practice and had to be carted off the field after being unable to put weight on the injured leg.

According to Pro Football Doc, the injury appears consistent with a significant knee hyperextension involving multiple ligament tears, raising concern for a season-ending injury.

Key Facts

  • Injury: Left knee (suspected significant hyperextension)

  • Status: Carted off the practice field

  • Pro Football Doc: Concern for ligament tears and possible season-ending injury

  • Additional Concern: Potential associated nerve injury

Pro Football Doc Analysis

Based on the mechanism of injury, Pro Football Doc believes Stewart likely suffered a significant knee hyperextension with multiple ligament injuries.

The primary concern is damage to the ACL and other stabilizing ligaments, which could require reconstructive surgery and potentially end Stewart's 2026 season.

Another major concern is the possibility of associated nerve damage, which can accompany severe knee dislocations or hyperextension injuries and may complicate both recovery time and long-term prognosis.

Further imaging will determine the full extent of the damage.

Previous Injury History

Stewart's rookie season in 2025 was also interrupted by multiple setbacks.

He missed four games early in the year after suffering an ankle injury in Week 2 before sustaining another knee injury in November that landed him on injured reserve. He finished the season appearing in just eight games while recording one sack.

Stewart also missed the beginning of his first NFL training camp because of a contract holdout before making his regular-season debut.