Cincinnati Bengals' rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart is cleared to practice after a knee injury, offering a much-needed boost to their defense. Sidelined since Week 11, Stewart's return could bolster the team's pass rush as they aim to regain momentum.

A roster spot opened Thursday when Trey Hendrickson went on injured reserve following core muscle surgery, and Stewart could slot into that if deemed ready.

Shemar Stewart (knee), Joseph Ossai (shin), and Shaka Heyward (fibula) all went full again. Stewart was cleared to practice Wednesday after missing the last four games on I.R., and Heyward remains on I.R. as well. Both could be activated this week with two open spots on the active roster.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart is closer to getting back onto the field for the Bengals. The team cleared Stewart, the 17th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, to return to practice on Wednesday by designating him for a return from injured reserve.

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Bengals are hoping to get one important player back on the field this week while keeping another from exiting the lineup. Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart practiced Wednesday for the first time since suffering a knee injury Nov.

Shemar Stewart's rookie season in Cincinnati can't be going much worse. He held out all offseason and has played in just five games due to injury. Those games have brought out abysmal showings from Stewart outside of the opening week win over Cleveland.

The Detroit Lions, coming off a 15-2 campaign and divisional-round playoff loss, have a busy offseason of themselves. In order to take the next step as an organization, they must address multiple areas of need, including at EDGE. Smith proved to be a ...