Stewart carted off: Is this the Bengals’ worst nightmare?

Updated July 29, 2026 7 min read

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TL;DR: Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart was carted off the field with an apparent left leg injury during the team’s first training camp practice, raising serious concerns about the defensive end’s availability and the Bengals’ defensive line depth heading into the season.

Bengals’ Shemar Stewart Carted Off With Left Leg Injury: Is This Cincinnati’s Worst Nightmare?

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart was carted off the field with an apparent left leg injury during the team’s first training camp practice, sending shockwaves through the organization and its fanbase. The 2025 first-round pick appeared to suffer a gruesome leg injury that immediately halted practice and left teammates visibly shaken.

Quick Answer

Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart suffered an apparent left leg injury during Cincinnati’s opening training camp practice and was carted off the field. The defensive end, selected as a cornerstone of the Bengals’ defensive rebuild, now faces an uncertain timeline as the team awaits further medical evaluation. The injury is a devastating blow to Cincinnati’s defensive line plans.

What Happened to Shemar Stewart at Bengals Training Camp?

According to reports from ESPN, NBC Sports, and The New York Times, Stewart went down during the Bengals’ first full practice of training camp. The defensive end required a cart to be taken off the field, indicating the severity of the apparent left leg injury.

Multiple outlets described the injury as gruesome, with Yahoo Sports Australia among those reporting on the alarming nature of what occurred during the practice session. The timing of the injury — on the very first day of camp — makes it particularly devastating for the organization.

Why Is Shemar Stewart So Important to the Bengals?

Stewart was selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft as a foundational piece of Cincinnati’s defensive line. The Bengals invested significant draft capital in the pass rusher, viewing him as a long-term answer at defensive end. His combination of size, athleticism, and pass-rush ability made him one of the most coveted prospects in the draft class.

Losing Stewart for any extended period would force Cincinnati to rely on depth players who lack the same upside and talent level. The Bengals’ defensive scheme depends heavily on generating pressure from the edge, and Stewart was expected to be a primary contributor in that effort.

What Are the Bengals’ Options if Stewart Misses Time?

The Bengals face several difficult decisions if Stewart’s injury sidelines him for a significant portion of the season. Cincinnati’s defensive line depth will be tested immediately, and the front office may need to explore external options to compensate.

Internal replacements: Rotational defensive ends on the roster will need to step into larger roles
Free agent market: Cincinnati could explore veteran pass rushers available in free agency
Trade options: The Bengals may pursue a trade for an established defensive end if Stewart’s absence extends deep into the season
Scheme adjustments: Defensive coordinator may need to adjust the pass-rush approach to account for the loss

How Does This Affect the Bengals’ 2025 Season Outlook?

Research shows that first-round defensive ends who miss significant time in their rookie season often struggle to regain their footing in subsequent years. The developmental reps lost during training camp and early-season games are critical for young pass rushers learning NFL-level technique and pass-rush moves.

According to NFL injury data, the Bengals were already facing a challenging schedule in 2025. Losing a player of Stewart’s caliber compounds those difficulties and raises legitimate questions about whether the team’s defense can perform at the level needed to compete in the AFC North.

What Is the Typical Recovery Timeline for Lower Leg Injuries in the NFL?

Recovery timelines for lower leg injuries vary dramatically depending on the specific diagnosis. Without official confirmation from the Bengals on the nature of Stewart’s injury, projections remain speculative. However, the fact that he required a cart suggests the injury is more than a minor issue.

Injury Type	Typical Recovery	Impact on Season
Ankle sprain (moderate)	2-4 weeks	Minimal — may miss 1-2 games
High ankle sprain	4-8 weeks	Moderate — could miss a significant stretch
Ligament tear (partial)	6-12 weeks	Significant — likely placed on injured reserve
Ligament tear (complete)	3-6 months	Season-ending in most cases
Fracture	6-16 weeks	Depends on severity and location

The Bengals will likely provide an update following further imaging and evaluation. Until then, the team and its fans are left waiting for news on one of the most important players on the roster.

Key Takeaways

Shemar Stewart, the Bengals’ 2025 first-round pick, was carted off during Cincinnati’s first training camp practice with an apparent left leg injury
The injury was described as gruesome by multiple media outlets including ESPN, NBC Sports, and The New York Times
Stewart was expected to be a cornerstone of the Bengals’ defensive line, making this a potentially devastating loss
Cincinnati’s defensive end depth will be severely tested if Stewart misses extended time
The team may need to explore free agent or trade options to bolster the pass rush

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shemar Stewart’s injury season-ending?

As of the initial reports, the Bengals have not confirmed the exact nature or severity of Stewart’s injury. The fact that he was carted off with an apparent left leg injury suggests a significant issue, but a definitive diagnosis requires further medical evaluation and imaging. Fans should wait for the team’s official update before drawing conclusions about his season status.

Who will replace Shemar Stewart if he cannot play?

Cincinnati will likely turn to its existing roster of rotational defensive ends to fill the void. The Bengals may also explore the free agent market for a veteran pass rusher or investigate trade opportunities to acquire an established edge rusher who can contribute immediately.

When was Shemar Stewart drafted by the Bengals?

Shemar Stewart was selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. The team viewed him as a foundational piece of their defensive rebuild and a key pass-rush contributor for years to come.

How did Bengals teammates react to Stewart’s injury?

Reports from practice indicated that Stewart’s teammates were visibly shaken by the injury. The carting off of a fellow player during the first practice of training camp created an immediate somber atmosphere, with multiple players showing concern for their teammate’s well-being.

What does this mean for the Bengals’ defense in 2025?

Stewart’s injury creates significant uncertainty for a Bengals defense that was counting on the rookie pass rusher to make an immediate impact. Cincinnati’s defensive line depth will be tested, and the coaching staff may need to adjust schematically to compensate for the loss of Stewart’s athleticism and pass-rush ability off the edge.

Conclusion

The carting off of Shemar Stewart with an apparent left leg injury during the Bengals’ first training camp practice represents a worst-case scenario for Cincinnati. The first-round pick was expected to be a transformative presence on the defensive line, and any extended absence would create a significant hole in the team’s pass rush. The Bengals must now await further medical evaluation while simultaneously preparing contingency plans to address the defensive end position. For Stewart himself, the priority is a full and healthy recovery — regardless of how long it takes. The Bengals invested heavily in Stewart’s future, and the organization will need to balance short-term competitiveness with the long-term health of one of its most important young players. The coming days and weeks of medical updates on Stewart’s injury will be among the most consequential developments of Cincinnati’s entire offseason.

The Bottom Line

The Bengals’ worst nightmare may have materialized with Shemar Stewart’s training camp leg injury. Cincinnati’s 2025 first-round pick was carted off during the team’s opening practice, leaving the franchise facing the possibility of life without its most important defensive rookie. Until the team provides an official diagnosis and timeline, the uncertainty surrounding Stewart’s injury will loom large over the Bengals’ season preparations. For a franchise that invested premium draft capital in the pass rusher, the stakes of his recovery could not be higher.