Ben BabySep 2, 2026, 07:14 PM ET
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CINCINNATI -- The moment Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart approached his locker and the media cameras waiting for his arrival, a chorus of cheers rang out from the teammates seated around him.

Wednesday was a big day for Stewart, who practiced for the first time since he suffered a hyperextended left knee in the first practice of training camp.

Stewart, a second-year player and 2025 first-round draft pick, enjoyed the elation from his teammates before his first comments since the injury occurred in July. But what was even better for him was getting back on the field.

"I'm just happy that my return is coming soon," Stewart said. "Who knows when, but at least I get to play football this year."

Initially, Stewart didn't believe that would be the case. Recalling the play in which he went down, Stewart said he tried to bend the corner during a team drill and his foot got caught in the ground.

"In that moment I felt like a little, tiny pop," Stewart said. "I thought it was over. But thankfully God was on my side."

The injury was still frustrating. Stewart said he wanted and, perhaps more important, needed the reps ahead of his second season.

In 2025, a few factors kept him from maximizing his rookie season. Stewart didn't participate in drills until just after the start of training camp because of a contract dispute that was eventually resolved.

Once he got on the field, two injuries resulted in lengthy absences. A right ankle injury suffered in Week 2 kept him out for the next four games, and a knee issue put him on injured reserve for Weeks 11 through 15.

In eight games last season, Stewart made five starts and had one sack.

On Wednesday, Stewart said an imminent return was meaningful given all of the work he did during the offseason, especially in recent weeks as he recovered from the hyperextended knee.

"I've been wanting to get back out there," Stewart said. "I miss football. This is what I do. This is where I feel happiest. So I've just been busting my tail trying to get back on the field."

When he does see game action, Stewart will rejoin a defense that features a slew of new players, including star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II. Stewart said he had no issues giving the No. 97 he wore last season over to Lawrence, a three-time Pro Bowler who has made a big impact since being acquired in April via trade.

Stewart, now wearing No. 94, said being around Lawrence and other newcomers such as defensive end Boye Mafe and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen has helped him prep for his second season.

And he'll be happy to do whatever he can to help a defense that is expected to be much better than it was a year ago.

"I'm just trying to do what is asked of me at the best of my ability," Stewart said. "Nothing more, nothing less. We have great guys all around the defensive line. So if everybody does their job to the best of their ability, the sky's the limit for us."

Bengals' Stewart has 1st practice since knee injury

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