Shemar Stewart’s Return Strengthens Bengals for Showdown Against Steelers
The Cincinnati Bengals are set to receive a significant boost to their defensive lineup as rookie first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart is expected to make his return from an ankle injury. The Bengals face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night, and Stewart’s presence could be crucial, especially in light of potential absences in the defensive squad.
Anticipation Builds for Stewart’s Comeback
Shemar Stewart has been a full participant in practice leading up to the game, effectively easing concerns about his previous injury. Defensive coordinator Al Golden expressed optimism regarding Stewart’s readiness, stating, “Our expectation is he will be ready to go, and he will see a lot of action.” Golden noted Stewart’s positive performance in practice, saying, “He looked good out there today… he recalls how to line up and all those things because he’s been in the meetings from that standpoint.”
Stewart’s ankle injury, sustained during Week 2 against Jacksonville, has sidelined him since that game. His return is particularly timely, considering that fellow defensive end Trey Hendrickson may not be available. Hendrickson left last Sunday’s contest against Green Bay with a back contusion and did not participate in Tuesday’s practice session open to the media. He is currently listed with a hip injury on this week’s practice report.
Hendrickson’s Status Adds Pressure
Trey Hendrickson’s durability has been a hallmark of his career, starting 42 consecutive games and appearing in 71 of 73 since joining the Bengals in 2021. However, his history of back issues raises concerns as the team prepares for a critical matchup. The last game he missed was in Week 15 of 2022 due to a wrist injury, with the only other absence being in the 2021 season finale when the Bengals rested their starters.
Stewart’s Early Season Performance
Before his injury, Stewart had shown promise, playing 48.7 percent of the snaps in the season opener against Cleveland, although he did not record any tackles. In Week 2, he logged 40.8 percent of the snaps and managed two tackles prior to the ankle injury. Golden emphasized the importance of allowing Stewart to play freely, stating, “We just have to get him to the point where he can play fast and enjoy it. Don’t get stressed out about it. Enjoy the moment and work hard for the next 36 hours and then cut it loose. That’s going to be really important.”
As the Bengals gear up to face a formidable Steelers offense, Golden acknowledged Stewart’s potential impact: “He’s a gifted young man. If you are going to play an offense like Pittsburgh, you need guys like that out there.”
With Stewart back in the fold, the Bengals’ defense looks to reclaim its strength, ready to face the challenges posed by their AFC North rivals.
