The Cincinnati Bengals' 2026 training camp got off to the worst possible start on Wednesday. The opening day of camp quickly turned into an injury scare that could impact the team's defensive plans for the 2026 season.

Second-year defensive end Shemar Stewart was carted off the field after suffering a left leg injury during practice. The Bengals are still awaiting further evaluation, but Stewart was later seen on crutches with a protective brace on his left leg.

"Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart was carted off the field Wednesday with a left leg injury suffered during the first day of training camp," ESPN's Ben Baby reported.

Stewart was expected to play a much bigger role in Cincinnati's revamped defensive front this season, making the injury an early concern for a team that underwent major changes during the offseason.

The injury comes just days after defensive coordinator Al Golden expressed confidence in Stewart, believing that he is ready for his second NFL season.

"He gives us great versatility. We should see a huge jump with him, to be honest with you," Golden said earlier this week, as per ESPN's Ben Baby.

Wednesday's practice wasn't short on drama elsewhere, either. Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase got into a brief heat-up moment with cornerbacks DJ Turner II and Jalen Davis during team drills before tensions quickly cooled.

Quarterback Joe Burrow later dismissed the incident as a byproduct of a competitive training camp environment, provided it doesn't interfere with practice.

While Cincinnati continues to wait for clarity on Stewart's condition, the injury is particularly concerning given the expectations surrounding the Bengals' rebuilt defensive front entering the season.

Shemar Stewart's injury comes at a difficult time for the Bengals

According to The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr., Stewart suffered the injury during the Bengals' first 11-on-11 period while rushing the passer.

Trainers helped him off the field after he was unable to put weight on his left leg, with T.J. Slaton and Isaiah Foskey taking over his snaps for the remainder of practice.

The setback adds to what has already been a challenging start to Stewart's NFL career. After a contract holdout delayed his rookie season, ankle and knee injuries limited the former Texas A&M standout to eight games in 2025, where he finished with one sack.

While Cincinnati invested heavily in rebuilding its defensive front this offseason, adding Jonathan Allen and Boye Mafe in free agency, acquiring Dexter Lawrence via trade and drafting edge rusher Cashius Howell in the second round.

Stewart was expected to be a key part of Cincinnati's revamped defensive rotation this season. With training camp only just underway, the Bengals will now hope Wednesday's injury proves less serious than it initially appeared.

Do you think Shemar Stewart will make a speedy recovery? Let us know!

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Written by

Rudra Dubey

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote