Bengals DE Shemar Stewart Records First 2026 Sack vs Texans
A late fourth-quarter strip-sack by Shemar Stewart against the Texans capped a strong defensive showing in Houston.
Key points
- Shemar Stewart recorded his first sack of the 2026 season against the Houston Texans in Week 2.
- The defensive end made his season debut after missing early camp with a hyperextended knee injury.
- CBS analyst Trent Green praised the Bengals defense as a significantly different and improved squad compared to last year.
The stadium lights in Houston hummed as the clock bled down to the final minute. Shemar Stewart burst through the line, his body a blur of motion against the green turf. He wrapped around CJ Stroud, driving the Texans' quarterback backward in a seven-yard loss that silenced the home crowd just as they tried to rally.
It was Stewart’s first sack of the season, a physical anchor for a Cincinnati defense that felt sharper and more cohesive than the previous year. CBS analyst Trent Green noted on the broadcast that this unit is a distinct entity from last season, a sentiment echoed in the crisp, efficient execution of the Bengals' backline throughout the evening.
Overcoming the July Knee Injury
Getting to this moment required a difficult road. Stewart suffered a hyperextended knee on the very first day of training camp in July, an injury severe enough to warrant a cart off the practice field. His return to the lineup for this Week 2 matchup marks his 2026 season debut, a testament to the recovery work done behind the scenes.
Building on a Rookie Foundation
Stewart is no stranger to the grind of the professional game. As the Bengals’ first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, he played in eight games during his rookie campaign before a November knee injury sidelined him for the remainder of that year. Now healthy and active, he brings that accumulated experience to the pass rush, adding depth to a line that has already shown significant promise.
A Sharp Defensive Identity
The performance in Reliant Stadium highlighted a team finding its rhythm. With players like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase warming up in the shadows, the focus remained on the defense’s ability to control the tempo. Stewart’s late-game strike served as a reminder that this unit is built to disrupt, regardless of the opponent or the venue.
