Stewart, the 17th overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, suffered the knee injury during the Bengals’ initial training‑camp practice and was sidelined for the team’s opening game.
Head coach Zac Taylor said the rookie’s return is a priority, noting, “Obviously, the talent we drafted in the first round, that’s why he’s here… I’m just excited to get him back in the fold and get him some reps,” as reported by ESPN’s Ben Baby.
Stewart’s rookie campaign has already been hampered by off‑field and on‑field setbacks, including a contract dispute that delayed his participation early in the season.
In addition to the current knee issue, he dealt with a lingering ankle injury and suffered a torn posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Week 9, limiting his production to eight games, six tackles and one sack.
Taylor’s confidence in Stewart’s abilities suggests the coaching staff expects the young defensive end to contribute more consistently once he is fully cleared.