The Cincinnati Bengals suffered a nasty injury on Wednesday during training camp as defensive end Shemar Stewart had to be carted off the field.
Stewart was coming off a quiet rookie season, but was expected to make a significant impact in 2026. Now, his status is up in the air.
NFL World Reacts to Shemar Stewart’s Scary Injury
Stewart’s injury occurred while rushing the passer during practice, when his leg appeared to bend backward. He had to be carted off the field, and some fans already believe his season may be over.
“He’s gone for the year,” one Bengals fan wrote on X.
“Yea that’s a season ender right there,” another fan wrote.
Some fans just couldn’t believe what had happened.
“[Expletive] that’s rough smh,” a fan wrote.
— Alex Garner (@alexgarnerccbc) July 29, 2026
Others were wishing Stewart a quick recovery, as the second-year NFL player was hoping for a breakout campaign in 2026.
“Nasty injury. Hoping Shemar Stewart has a full recovery,” The Football Suite posted on X.
“Christ that’s a gruesome looking injury. I hope he’s alright. That [expletive] blows. Best of luck in recovery,” one Bengals fan added.
“Man I hate this time of year,” another user said. “I hope he’s ok.”
Some fans couldn’t believe the Bengals are dealing with another potentially serious injury.
“Bengals are literally cursed,” one fan wrote on X. “Next thing you know, [Joe] Burrow will be done for the year.”
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The Bengals have had their fair share of injury-riddled seasons lately. This season, with quarterback Joe Burrow and receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals’ offense has the firepower to compete with the best teams in the league.
However, injuries and defensive struggles have held the Bengals back in recent years.
Burrow missed seven games in 2023 and another nine games in 2025. The Bengals obviously are not the same team without their leader under center.
Higgins has also missed significant time over the last three years. He was out for 12 games over the last three seasons due to multiple injuries.
Then, on the defensive side, Cincinnati’s All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson (who is now with the Baltimore Ravens) missed 10 games last season due to injuries.
There’s no official word on the extent of Stewart’s injury, but it does not look good. The former Texas A&M Aggie played in eight games during his rookie year, including five starts. He recorded 11 tackles, 2 for loss, 4 quarterback hits, 1 sack, and 1 pass defensed.
