Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart was carted off the field during the first day of training camp on Wednesday with a left leg injury. The severity of the injury, which occurred during practice at Paycor Stadium, had not yet been determined following imaging. Stewart was seen wearing a protective leg brace and using crutches.

Stewart, the team's first-round pick in 2025, faced injury challenges last season, recording only one sack in eight games. Defensive coordinator Al Golden had recently expressed high hopes for Stewart's versatility and anticipated a significant improvement this year. The first day of camp also saw a physical altercation between wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase and cornerbacks DJ Turner II and Jalen Davis, which concluded without further incident, though tempers flared.

Quarterback Joe Burrow commented on the scuffle, acknowledging the competitive nature between top players like Chase and Turner. He stated that such intensity is acceptable as long as it doesn't disrupt practice flow. The Bengals are aiming for a stronger season after finishing six-win and missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year, with defensive upgrades including Dexter Lawrence II.