The Cincinnati Bengals made a high-profile player inactive before their Week 7 contest against the Baltimore Ravens. After getting off to a slow start, the Bengals erased a 13-point deficit at halftime to earn a 35-13 win over the Ravens on the road. With Lamar Jackson sidelined for a high-ankle sprain, the Ravens turned to backup quarterback Tyler Huntley.
Huntley was sacked four times for -22 yards. It was a strong showing by the Bengals defensive line, who were without 2025 first-round pick Shemar Stewart. Cincinnati made Stewart a healthy scratch for Sunday's game.
More News: Exclusive: Breakout NFL Executives Who Could Become Future General Managers More News: 4 QBs Generating Serious Trade Buzz Weeks Before NFL Regular Season Starts During his news conference on Monday, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor explained the reasoning behind making Stewart inactive against the Ravens, saying the team had a tough choice to make who to make active on game day with a deep defensive line. I don’t want to do that every week, but we’re gonna have to be creative with where we pull from. That’s just part of it.” Stewart has recorded three total tackles and one sack this season.
Cincinnati made nine players active for Sunday's game. It's not a good sign for Stewart that he didn't earn one of those spots against the Ravens. If the Bengals aren't going to play Stewart, the Texas A&M standout could be an intriguing option before the trade deadline on Nov. 10.
He could be due for a change of scenery. Through their first six games, the Bengals have recorded 21 sacks. Cincinnati's front seven has dramatically improved after trading with the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence in the offseason.
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