Zac Taylor Addresses Status of Bengals Player Who Was Inactive Sunday

The Cincinnati Bengals picked up a crucial AFC North victory on Sunday, defeating the Baltimore Ravens 35-13 after trailing 13-0 at halftime. However, one notable absence from the Bengals’ lineup raised questions about the future of a former first-round pick.

Defensive end Shemar Stewart was a healthy scratch for Cincinnati’s Week 7 matchup against Baltimore, marking another setback for the second-year defensive lineman as he attempts to establish himself in the team’s defensive rotation.

On Monday, head coach Zac Taylor addressed Stewart’s status and explained why the former first-round selection was left off the active roster. 

Taylor said Stewart is doing well as he continues to recover from a knee injury suffered during training camp. The injury forced Stewart to miss time and put him behind as he worked to establish himself in Cincinnati’s defensive line rotation.

Despite the missed time, Taylor expressed satisfaction with Stewart’s progress and emphasized that the decision was influenced by the team’s depth along the defensive front.

Taylor also discussed the challenge of determining which defensive linemen should be active each week, particularly with Cincinnati having several healthy options at the position.

The Bengals had nine defensive linemen active against Baltimore, leaving Stewart on the sidelines despite his continued progress. Taylor said he wants to keep Stewart motivated and encouraged as he develops, but the defensive end still has ground to make up on the depth chart.

Stewart was selected with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Bengals hoped his athleticism and potential would translate into a productive NFL career. Instead, injuries and competition for playing time have limited his opportunities to establish himself in Cincinnati.

With the Bengals adding Boye Mafe during the offseason and Myles Murphy continuing to develop, Stewart faces increased competition for opportunities along the defensive front. His healthy scratch against Baltimore further highlighted the difficulty he has faced earning a consistent role.

The decision also adds another layer to the trade speculation surrounding Stewart ahead of the NFL’s Nov. 10 trade deadline. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler previously identified Stewart as a potential trade candidate, and reports have indicated that multiple teams could have interest in the young defensive end.

A single healthy scratch does not confirm that a trade is imminent, particularly with Taylor expressing satisfaction with Stewart’s progress. However, his lack of a role in Sunday’s divisional matchup could make a potential departure more plausible as the deadline approaches.

If Stewart continues to struggle to find playing time in Cincinnati, the Bengals could face a decision about whether to keep developing their former first-round pick or explore a trade that gives him an opportunity elsewhere.