A roster spot opened Thursday when Trey Hendrickson went on injured reserve following core muscle surgery, and Stewart could slot into that if deemed ready.

Cincinnati Bengals' rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart is cleared to practice after a knee injury, offering a much-needed boost to their defense. Sid

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor says that first-round rookie Shemar Stewart is eligible to return from IR.

Defensive end Trey Hendrickson (hip/pelvis) did not participate in Wednesday’s session as he underwent season-ending core muscle surgery. Fellow defensive end, Shemar Stewart, looks like he’s ready to return from his knee injury as the rookie, who is on injured reserve, had a full practice.

Trey Hendrickson may be out for the season after undergoing core muscle surgery, but Shemar Stewart is one step closer to coming back. Stewart was placed on the Reserve/Injured list in Week 11 and has missed the last four games.