Overview
- The Bengals' final Week 1 injury report, shared by Adam Schefter, lists Shemar Stewart as doubtful to play in the opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Stewart hyperextended his knee in training camp, missed much of the team's on-field work, logged a full practice midweek then a limited session before being held out of the final practice.
- Cincinnati plans to start Boye Mafe and Myles Murphy at defensive end with Cashius Howell and Cedric Johnson expected to absorb the majority of reserve snaps if Stewart is inactive.
- Stewart was the No. 17 overall pick in the 2025 draft and managed just eight games as a rookie, recording 11 tackles, one sack, and one pass breakup amid a protracted contract dispute.
- The team has kept Stewart on the active roster while monitoring the knee, and a move to injured reserve would delay his season debut and shift the Bengals' early rotation and evaluation of the first-round pick.