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. Sidelined since Week 11, Stewart's return could bolster the team's pass rush as they aim to regain momentum.

The Cincinnati Bengals could – in theory – be getting some help this week as rookie first-round pick Shemar Stewart is eligible to return from injured reserve. Stewart has been on IR for the last four games with a knee injury and it’s possible that he could return to face the Baltimore Ravens this week.

Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is back in concussion protocol, but he had a limited practice on Wednesday.

Stewart, a rookie out of Texas A&M, landed on the IR on Nov. 15 after injuring his knee against the Bears in Week 9.

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.

The Ravens remain alive in the race for the AFC North, but the Bengals do not. Lamar Jackson threw a pair of touchdown passes in the first half and safety Alohi Gilman returned a Joe Burrow interception for a score in the fourth quarter of a 24-0 Ravens victory.