The Cincinnati Bengals' defense took a potentially devastating blow on the first day of training camp, as rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart was carted off the field with a horrific left knee injury. Video of the incident, which has since gone viral, shows Stewart's leg hyperextending in a grotesque manner as he attempted to rush the passer during an 11-on-11 drill.
The former first-round pick, selected 17th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, was immediately evaluated by the team's medical staff before being loaded onto a cart. He was unable to put any weight on the injured leg, a grim sign that suggests significant damage.
Stewart's injury is a particularly tough break for a player who was already facing an uphill battle. After a lengthy holdout over his rookie contract, he finally signed a four-year, $18.97 million deal with the Bengals. As a rookie last season, he appeared in just eight games, recording 11 tackles and one sack for the Bengals.
“Yikes man. Missing camp & more would be crushing for a developmental player like him after how his rookie season went,” one fan commented on social media. Another wrote, “That’s gross. Prayers up.” A third observer offered a medical analysis: “Oh no! That does not look good. I believe that his left leg, with a major hyperextension and varus moment. Certainly concerned for the ACL, LCL, and possibly more.”
The injury has cast a shadow over the Bengals' offseason preparations, especially given the team's high hopes for Stewart as a pass-rushing complement to stars like Joe Burrow. While the team awaits official test results, early indications are that Stewart could miss significant time, further complicating his development.
This incident also raises broader questions about the physical toll of training camp, a topic that has been in the spotlight after similar injuries to other players, such as Aliyah Boston's scary knee injury. For the Bengals, losing Stewart for an extended period would be a major setback, as the Texas A&M product was expected to take on a larger role in the defensive rotation this season.
As the Bengals prepare for the upcoming campaign, all eyes will be on the medical reports regarding Stewart. For now, the team and its fans can only hope for the best, even as the gruesome video serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in the sport.
