The Cincinnati Bengals had a scare with second-year pass rusher Shemar Stewart at the start of training camp. Stewart suffered what looked to be a serious knee injury during the first padded practice, leaving room for concern around his 2026 season.

Thankfully, it was just a hyperextended knee, and Stewart is expected to return. The team hasn’t released a specific timeline for him to return, but there was a positive update on Wednesday. Stewart was back on the field going through defensive line drills. This comes after he had been working on the rehab field in recent practices.

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Now, his pads are back on, and Stewart appears to be trending in the right direction. The team will likely ease him back into full work, but this is a great sign.

Less than two weeks away from the season opener, it is likely too early to say whether Stewart will suit up or not, but he appears to be making strides. The Bengals will likely rely on their former 17th overall pick this season, as they look to replace the production of the departed Trey Hendrickson.

The retooled Cincinnati defensive line will be crucial to getting this team back to the postseason, and after a tough rookie season, hopefully Stewart can return to action sooner rather than later. If he meets his potential along with the additions of Dexter Lawrence II, Jonathan Allen and Boye Mafe, this defense could surprise a lot of people very quickly.