Bengals' Ted Karras wants Shemar Stewart to 'be smarter' after rookie bumped Joe Burrow
Stewart ignited a scuffle during practice when he bumped into quarterback Joe Burrow during a play. Right guard Lucas Patrick confronted the defender, with teammates quickly arriving to separate the two.
We've got a scrum at #Bengals practice. Not sure what the cause was here, but after the first play of a 30 minute period of 11 v 11 scrimmage, the offense and defense come together for a scrum. Will be an interesting remainder of the period. pic.twitter.com/x2c3qI4lvw
Center Ted Karras, a 10th-year who has been a captain for all three of his previous seasons with the Bengals, said the offensive line was ultimately responsible for Burrow's well-being, noting, "We gotta be better up front." But he also called for better judgment from the No. 17 overall pick out of Texas A&M.
Asked if he appreciated the edge Stewart brought to the defensive line, Karras said Wednesday, "Hell yeah. Just be smarter. ... Come on, man. That's all our hopes and dreams right there."
Safeguarding Burrow has been a lofty challenge for the Bengals' maligned offensive line throughout the quarterback's five-year career. Cincinnati's offensive front ranked last in ESPN's pass-block win rate metric in 2024, and the two-time Pro Bowl signal-caller tied for fourth with 48 sacks taken. Burrow missed the final seven games of the 2023 season after suffering a torn ligament in his right wrist.
With receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins re-signed to massive extensions this offseason, the Bengals are once again counting on Burrow to shoulder a heavy load and lead the team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
FANTASY FOOTBALL: Is Ja'Marr Chase the No. 1-ranked wide receiver?
Stewart, meanwhile, is expected to help revitalize the defensive front and made a strong early impression on teammates.
"He's been making some plays out there for us," defensive tackle B.J. Hill said earlier in August. "He's a strong, physical, big-time athlete who can do a lot of things for us. Inside or outside. Glad to have him on our side. When he learns this defense, things are going to very explosive for our defense."
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