The Cincinnati Bengals head into a crucial game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11. While the stakes couldn’t be higher, the team faces devastating news that could be a major blow to its defense. Things have turned for the worse for defensive end Shemar Stewart, who sustained an ankle injury in Week 2.

Per the NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero, Cincinnati is sending Shemar to the injured reserve because of a knee injury. The player will likely be out for at least four games. The first-round pick delivered a promising performance in Week 1, but the lingering ankle issue held him back afterwards, Pelissero reported. 

The rookie hurt his knee during the Week 9 matchup against the Chicago Bears, derailing his season further. Stewart earlier had to miss four games from Week 3 to Week 6 following an ankle injury, and now comes the new one. Overall, it’s been a frustrating stretch for the first-round pick with just five appearances this season, recording only six total tackles. In late October, Shemar voiced his frustration. 

“A lot of time missed, out four weeks. It’s not ideal for somebody in their rookie season,” Stewart said. “You need to be out there. You need to get those reps. So set me back a little bit, but I’m full steam ahead.”

Meanwhile, Shemar’s injury update comes amid a do-or-die situation for the Bengals, who are fighting to stay alive in the division race. They are at 3-6, and the only way they could reach the postseason is by winning the division. Interestingly, their division, the AFC North, has not been so predictable this year. 

If Cincinnati beats the Steelers, who are 5-4, it will be only one game behind in the standings. On the other hand, a loss would push the Bengals three games back. But guess what? This week, both teams will be missing their key defense players, which could play a big role in the Week 11 outcome.

Shemar Stewart is out, but injury woes hit both teams’ defense

Both Pittsburgh and Cincinnati are grappling with multiple defensive absences, leaving each side shorthanded at a crucial point in the tournament. On the Steelers’ side, the unit has taken several hits this week and faced some harsh criticism. Linebacker Alex Highsmith, one of Pittsburgh’s most important edge rushers, has been sidelined because of a new pec injury.

Cornerback Darius Slay remains in concussion protocol following last week’s hit against the Chargers. Moreover, linebacker Cole Holcomb will miss his second consecutive game because of illness, thinning Pittsburgh’s depth even further. Meanwhile, things are similar on Cincinnati’s side, with pass rusher Trey Hendrickson skipping the upcoming match with a lingering hip injury.

As Shemar Stewart is already out, the franchise will be without both of its top edge rushers. It adds more trouble to Cincinnati’s defense, which has emerged as one of the worst in the league this season. If the Bengals’ defense underperforms, it could give Pittsburgh’s offense a chance to find its rhythm again. As for the Bengals, their dream of ruling the division will slip further from their reach.