The Cincinnati Bengals have been without 2025 first-round pick and edge rusher Shemar Stewart for two straight games after he was ruled out for Week 3 and 4.
Stewart suffered an ankle injury in Week 2 and has not practiced in each of the last two weeks. It's an ominous start for the Bengals rookie, who had no shortage of controversy surrounding him after an offseason contract dispute.
Stewart has been quiet through two games. He has just two tackles and hasn't registered a sack or tackle for loss in 66 defensive snaps.
Here's what we know about a possible return date for Stewart.
Shemar Stewart injury update
There is no known timeline for Stewart's return, but the fact that he didn't practice at all in the week leading up to the game against the Denver Broncos suggests he may not be ready to play next week, either.
That said, with the Bengals not placing Stewart on injured reserve, it's a clear sign that they don't expect him to miss four or more games.
Knowing that, we could very well see him return in Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers.
The concern with Stewart missing more time after he sat out a big chunk of the offseason is that his development will be stunted. That's an issue for a lackluster Bengals defense that needs him to contribute as much as possible right away.
With the Bengals playing on Sunday next week, we should get our next firm update on him when Cincinnati drops its first injury report of the week on Wednesday.
MORE NFL NEWS
- Bucky Irving injury update leaves Bucs RB's status for Week 5 in question
- Pete Carroll details Raiders' plan to replace injured Kolton Miller
- Boise State trolls UNLV after Ashton Jeanty's first Allegiant Stadium TD
- Aaron Rodgers has very different approach to the tush push
- Kevin Stefanski not ruling out Browns starting QB change