Reflecting on the incident that sidelined him, Stewart admitted that the initial sensation of a pop in his knee led him to fear the worst for his season. After being carted off the field, the defensive end acknowledged that he briefly believed his campaign might be over before it truly began. However, following a period of rehabilitation, Stewart expressed relief and gratitude to be back in the mix with his teammates.
A challenging road to recovery
The injury was particularly difficult for Stewart, who was eager to secure vital repetitions during training camp to build upon his rookie year. His debut season in 2025 was already hampered by a series of setbacks, including a contract dispute that delayed his start and two separate injuries that limited him to just eight games and five starts. During that limited action, he recorded one sack, a total he is looking to improve upon as he integrates back into the defensive rotation.
Stewart noted that the recovery process required significant effort, stating that he has been working diligently to return to the field. While he remains uncertain about the exact date for his return to game action, he emphasized his commitment to contributing to the team. He has transitioned to wearing No. 94 this season, having relinquished his previous No. 97 jersey to newly acquired Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II.
Integrating into a revamped defensive unit
As Stewart works his way back to full fitness, he is preparing to join a defensive front that has seen notable changes during the offseason. The addition of high-profile players such as Lawrence, Boye Mafe, and Jonathan Allen has bolstered the unit, and Stewart expressed optimism about the group's potential. He highlighted the value of learning from these experienced teammates while focusing on his own role within the defensive scheme.
Looking ahead, Stewart remains focused on consistency and fulfilling his responsibilities within the team's structure. He expressed confidence in the collective talent of the defensive line, noting that if every player performs their job to the best of their ability, the unit is capable of significant improvement compared to the previous season. For now, his primary goal remains completing his recovery and contributing to the Bengals' defensive efforts on the field.
