Taylor cites defensive-line depth after Bengals leave Stewart inactive
Cincinnati's coach said the second-year defensive end is progressing after missing time with a knee injury over the summer.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said competition for places along Cincinnati's defensive line led to the decision to leave Shemar Stewart inactive despite being healthy. Addressing the move at a press conference, Taylor said Stewart's development remained on track.
Cincinnati selected nine defensive linemen for its active game-day roster. Taylor described choosing which players to leave out as difficult because of the number of options available at the position.
Stewart, a first-round selection in 2025 who is now in his second season, missed time after suffering a knee injury over the summer. Taylor said the defensive end was approaching his work correctly and making the progress coaches wanted.
Taylor said he did not want to keep leaving Stewart inactive every week, but the team would need to find different ways to make its roster choices.
