The Bengals are getting a boost on the defensive line, and it’s coming in the form of their first-round pick. Head coach Zac Taylor confirmed that rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart has been designated to return from injured reserve, opening up his 21-day practice window.
That means the clock is officially ticking - the team now has three weeks to decide whether to activate him to the 53-man roster. But based on Taylor’s comments, Stewart might not need the full three weeks.
There’s a real chance he could suit up as early as this week.
That would be a welcome development for Cincinnati. Stewart, just 22 years old, came into the league with plenty of hype - and for good reason.
A former five-star recruit and the No. 9 overall player in the 2022 class, he was one of the most coveted defensive linemen in the country coming out of high school. He chose Texas A&M, where he worked his way into a starting role by his junior year and earned third-team All-SEC honors.
The talent was always there, and by the time the 2025 NFL Draft rolled around, the Bengals were convinced. They used the 17th overall pick on him, betting on his upside and motor up front.
The Bengals didn’t just invest draft capital in Stewart - they backed it up financially. He signed a fully guaranteed four-year deal projected at just under $19 million, including a signing bonus north of $10 million. There’s also a fifth-year option built in for 2028, giving Cincinnati some long-term flexibility if Stewart develops into the kind of impact player they believe he can be.
But the rookie season hasn’t gone quite according to plan. Stewart started the year with a contract holdout before eventually signing, and then injuries quickly became the story.
An ankle injury in Week 2 slowed his momentum, and just as he was working his way back, another lower-body issue landed him on injured reserve. It’s been a stop-and-start debut campaign, but when he’s been on the field, the flashes have been there.
In the four games he’s played this season, Stewart has logged 10 tackles - a solid start considering the limited sample size and the fact that he’s still adjusting to the speed of the pro game. He’s shown the kind of physical tools that made him a top-tier prospect: quick off the snap, strong at the point of attack, and disruptive enough to make offensive lines account for him.
Getting Stewart back could be a significant late-season addition for a Bengals defense that’s been looking to generate more consistent pressure. With the playoff picture tightening, every snap matters - and if Stewart is healthy, he has the tools to be more than just a rotational piece. He has the potential to be a game-changer.
Now, it’s all about how he looks in practice. The Bengals will monitor his progress closely over the next few days, and if he responds well, don’t be surprised if he’s back on the field sooner rather than later. For a team that’s still fighting for positioning, Stewart’s return could be perfectly timed.