Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina linebacker Demetrius Knight (LB13) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Cincinnati Bengals LB Demetrius Knight Denies Claims of Holding Out of Practice

Originally posted on South Carolina Gamecocks on SI
By Jonathan Williams | Last updated May 12, 2025 7:24 PM ET

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker and former South Carolina Gamecock Demetrius Knight denies the claims of him holding out of practice.

NFL rookies are starting to settle in with their new teams and that also means they are working on signing and finalizing their rookie contracts. For the Cincinnati Bengals, it was reported that EDGE Shemar Stewart and linebacker Demetrius Knight were both holding out of practice until their contracts were signed. Knight has since denied those claims.

Knight took to twitter to deny the claims of him skipping out on practice and expressed that it was news to him and that he has been participating in drills.

news to me! Had a great practice today and looking forward to practice tomorrow, thanks! https://t.co/64TCNAr6nI
— Demetrius knight ll (@iam_the1knight) May 12, 2025

The former Gamecock was selected in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 49th overall pick.

Knight Jr. joined the Gamecocks after four seasons with Georgia Tech and one with Charlotte. He was voted quickly as a captain and the most outstanding senior by his teammates. He appeared in 13 games, making 10 starts, and finished second on the team in tackles (82).

There has still not been an official report of Knight signing his rookie contract, but that doesn't appear to matter to the former Gamecock. Former Texas A&M Aggie, Shemar Stewart, is still believed to be holding out of practice due to his contract not yet being signed though.

NFL Combine Results - Demetrius Knight

Height: 6015
Weight: 235
Arm: 32 ⅝”
Hand: 10”
Vertical: 31'.50"
Bench Press: 22 reps
Broad Jump: 9'10"
40-yard: 4.58, 2nd attempt: 4.61
3-Cone: 7.12 seconds

This article first appeared on South Carolina Gamecocks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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