When the Cincinnati Bengals selected edge-rusher Shemar Stewart with their first-round decide within the 2025 NFL Draft, this in all probability is not what they envisioned.
On Saturday, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that Stewart, who was chosen No. 17 general in April’s draft, will miss a minimal of 4 video games after being positioned on injured reserve with a knee damage. He had beforehand missed 4 video games resulting from an ankle damage. In 5 video games, Stewart has recorded six tackles whereas enjoying 50 p.c of his obtainable defensive snaps. (h/t Pro Football Reference)
Shemar Stewart’s damage setback one other chapter to irritating rookie season
Stewart was the fourth defensive finish chosen within the 2025 draft — behind Abdul Carter, Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker — and was the final first-round decide to signal his rookie contract, finalizing his deal on July 25 after a prolonged dispute.
He hasn’t made a lot of an affect on the Bengals protection, which ranks final within the NFL in scoring (33.3 factors allowed per recreation). According to NFL Pro data, Stewart has the sixth-slowest time to strain (3.64 seconds) amongst 98 qualifying defensive linemen, with solely two of his eight whole pressures coming below three seconds. Getting into Week 11, Cincinnati ranks No. 28 in defensive strain charge (17.5 p.c).
His absence comes at a tricky time, and with a demanding upcoming schedule, Stewart may return to the Bengals (3-6) when they’re probably out of playoff rivalry. Three of their subsequent 4 video games — towards the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4), Baltimore Ravens (4-5) and Buffalo Bills (6-3) — are on the street, with the one residence recreation throughout this era in Week 12 towards the New England Patriots (9-2).
Cincinnati, having misplaced two in a row and 6 of its final seven, is spiraling. Whereas Stewart’s contributions have been minimal, it wants all the assistance on protection it may possibly get, particularly from a first-round expertise. Stewart had a rocky begin with the Bengals, and the adverse vibes have endured all through his rookie season.
