Bengals get encouraging reports on defensive linemen B.J. Hill and Shemar Stewart as camp continues

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle B.J. Hill and second-year defensive end Shemar Stewart were both absent for parts of training camp, but early reports indicate their situations may be improving. Hill has been on the Physically Unable to Perform list since before the start of camp while he works through an ankle injury. Stewart, meanwhile, suffered a hyperextended knee during the first day of practice, leaving his availability uncertain for the start of the preseason workload.

The timing matters for a Bengals group that relies heavily on interior pressure and edge rush variety to support the defense’s overall structure. Hill’s role as a starting defensive lineman puts him at the center of Cincinnati’s run-stopping base and pass-rush rotations, while Stewart is positioned to contribute as a developing pass rusher who is expected to take on larger responsibilities from one season to the next.

With both players missing time early in camp, Cincinnati’s defensive front has had to adjust its reps and combinations. In practical terms, the team has needed other linemen to absorb workload in Hill’s absence and to cover early-down and pass-rush snaps while Stewart’s knee recovers enough to return to full practice demands.

The updates reported by Yahoo Sports characterize both situations as “positive,” suggesting the injuries are not worsening in a way that forces an extended setback. Still, the details of what “positive” means are not spelled out in the available account, so it remains unclear how close either player is to full-contact practice or how Cincinnati will manage their workload moving forward.

For Hill, the key factor is whether the ankle injury can progress from limited activity to the kind of movement required for live reps at tackle, where balance, leverage, and quick direction changes are critical. For Stewart, the knee hyperextension creates its own set of concerns, particularly around stiffness, acceleration, and sustaining pass-rush bursts without protecting the leg.

What to watch next is the Bengals’ practice participation as camp progresses. Even if both players are trending better, teams typically scale return from individual work to full-team drills in stages. Cincinnati will likely prioritize getting each player back without rushing the final step, because defensive line health directly affects how many effective rushers the Bengals can sustain across the preseason.

At the same time, camp absences can shape the depth chart in the short term. When starting-caliber linemen miss time, other players can seize snaps and roles, which can influence who stays in the first rotations once the injured players return. That makes the next few days important, both for Hill and Stewart and for how Cincinnati’s front operates when everyone is finally available.