Bengals 2025 first-round draft pick looking even worse after latest update

When the Cincinnati Bengals chose edge-rusher Shemar Stewart with their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, this probably isn't what they envisioned.

On Saturday, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that Stewart, who was selected No. 17 overall in April's draft, will miss a minimum of four games after being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. He had previously missed four games due to an ankle injury. In five games, Stewart has recorded six tackles while playing 50 percent of his available defensive snaps. (h/t Pro Football Reference)

Shemar Stewart's injury setback another chapter to frustrating rookie season

Stewart was the fourth defensive end selected in the 2025 draft — behind Abdul Carter, Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker — and was the last first-round pick to sign his rookie contract, finalizing his deal on July 25 after a lengthy dispute.

He hasn't made much of an impact on the Bengals defense, which ranks last in the NFL in scoring (33.3 points allowed per game). According to NFL Pro data, Stewart has the sixth-slowest time to pressure (3.64 seconds) among 98 qualifying defensive linemen, with only two of his eight total pressures coming under three seconds. Entering Week 11, Cincinnati ranks No. 28 in defensive pressure rate (17.5 percent).

His absence comes at a tough time, and with a demanding upcoming schedule, Stewart might return to the Bengals (3-6) when they are likely out of playoff contention. Three of their next four games — against the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4), Baltimore Ravens (4-5) and Buffalo Bills (6-3) — are on the road, with the only home game during this period in Week 12 against the New England Patriots (9-2).

Cincinnati, having lost two in a row and six of its last seven, is spiraling. While Stewart's contributions have been minimal, it needs all the help on defense it can get, especially from a first-round talent. Stewart had a rocky start with the Bengals, and the negative vibes have persisted throughout his rookie season.