Bengals Given Warning on Future for Former First-Round Pick Shemar Stewart

Shemar Stewart is set for a pivotal second NFL season after a troublesome rookie start with the Cincinnati Bengals. A contract dispute delayed him during parts of the 2025 offseason, and injuries then limited him. From Nov. 15 to Dec. 19 he was on injured reserve, and he appeared in only eight games as a rookie, totaling 11 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1.0 sack. As the 53-man roster was finalized, Stewart won’t be sent back to IR due to a hyperextended knee, though he could still end up on “IR-return.” Paul Dehner of The Athletic explained the team is effectively buying time to evaluate his rehab, with eligibility to return on Oct. 11 vs. Miami if they tag him. Meanwhile, Cincinnati has retooled its defensive line, including the trade acquisition of defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.