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

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

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.

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.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is blaming himself for the Bengals’ 24-0 loss to the Ravens that eliminated them from the playoff race.