The injury bug has been hitting the Cincinnati Bengals relentlessly this season, continuing to sideline several key players this season.
Trey Hendrickson will most likely miss the rest of the 2025 season after getting core muscle surgery. Tee Higgins' status for Week 15 is uncertain while being in concussion protocol, and although Joe Burrow is back and healthy, he's missed significant time, resulting in the 4-9 record.
Aside from all of this bad news, the Cincinnati Bengals have been given great news on their top pick in April's draft.
More: Bengals receive concerning news on Tee Higgins after first game back from concussion
Shemar Stewart returns to practice, trends towards return after four-game absence
To begin his Bengals tenure, rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart held out of offseason programs while trying to work out a rookie contract. Once the deal was signed, Stewart's first season in the league has been filled with setbacks.
A Week 2 ankle injury resulted in him missing four games. Once he returned, he suffered a knee injury that landed the 2025 first-round pick on IR.
Cincinnati designated Stewart to return from injured reserve on Wednesday, and the 22-year-old made a return to practice in full capacity on Wednesday, according to Bengals insiders Jay Morrison and Ben Baby.
There's a chance that he can play against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 15. Hopefully, he will be able to bring some momentum to the Bengals' defense that has allowed the most points per game this season (31.8).
In the five games Shemar Stewart has appeared in this season, he has six total tackles, but has yet to record his first career sack.
More NFL news:
Browns' Shedeur Sanders remains poised to improve in season's final stretch
Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba breaks another franchise record in win vs. Falcons
Rams sneak back to No. 1 in the NFC with Week 14 win over Cardinals
49ers reportedly wanted George Pickens in 2024 Brandon Aiyuk trade