The Cincinnati Bengals have been without two of their top defensive lineman for the majority of camp. Starting defensive tackle B.J. Hill has been on the Physically Unable to Perform list since before training camp as he works through an ankle injury, and second-year pass rusher Shemar Stewart suffered a hyperextended knee on the first day of practice.
Per Kelsey Conway of The Enquirer, Hill was wearing a helmet and pads during Sunday’s practice and working on the rehab field. There hasn’t been a timeline
announced for Hill as of yet, but the fact that he was working with Director of Rehab Nick Cosgrove is a good sign.
Ideally, Hill would be cleared in time to get some work in camp, but the ultimate goal is Week 1 on September 13th.
Stewart was also seen at practice Sunday, and for the first time, he was not wearing a knee brace. He has been rehabbing from the hyperextension suffered at the start of camp.
When the video was posted, many feared he suffered a season-ending injury, so it has been good news since. Seeing Stewart walking without a brace or a noticeable limp is yet another encouraging sign.
It has been a strong training camp for the Bengals defense, and with Hill and Stewart expected to play important roles this season, getting those two back on the field sooner rather than later will be an important piece of putting the entire unit in the best position to be successful.
