As if Detroit Lions fans already had enough confidence heading into Sunday's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, a recent injury update will lift their optimism even more. The Cincinnati Bengals announced on Friday that rookie edge rusher Shemar Stewart will be out for Sunday's game against the Lions. Stewart has missed the last two games for the Bengals with an ankle injury.
Stewart's loss stings for a Bengals team that begging for hope
The Bengals drafted Stewart with the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While injuries have held him back this season, as he's only recorded one tackle in two games played for the Bengals, many believe that the future is bright for the defensive end out of Texas A&M.
For a Bengals team that is entering Sunday's matchup against the Lions coming off two straight blowout losses to the Minnesota Vikings and the Denver Broncos, Cincinnati needs all the help that it can get.
Ever since losing star quarterback Joe Burrow to a turf toe injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 2, it seems like hope is lost in Cincinnati, and there is no sign that things will get better. This latest update surrounding Stewart may have just put the nail in the coffin for the Bengals' chances of pulling off the upset over the Lions on Sunday.
While it seems like hope has been completely lost for the Bengals, Cincinnati will get tight end Noah Fant back after missing the Broncos game due to a concussion. That gives backup quarterback Jake Browning an extra offensive weapon to rely on as he tries to find a rhythm offensively.
Lions offensive line will have a major advantage over the Bengals pass rush
Stewart's absence also puts the Lions at an even greater advantage in pass protection against the Bengals. Taking away one of the Bengals' most promising pass rushers gives the Lions' offensive line one less Cincinnati rusher to worry about when protecting quarterback Jared Goff.
With Stewart's absence, the Lions' offensive line should allow enough protection for Goff and open holes in the running game for Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
READ MORE: Lions secondary earns major praise from Bengals foe ahead of Week 5
The Lions' offensive line has been spectacular the last three games after struggling in the season opener against the Green Bay Packers.
The group has allowed no sacks in the Lions last three games against the Chicago Bears, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns. With how depleted the Bengals are on defense, that may be the case again on Sunday. The Bengals didn't record any sacks in the 28-3 loss to the Denver Broncos on Monday.
The Lions are major favorites to beat the Bengals on Sunday with many expecting Detroit to win comfortably. We'll see if those predictions come true on Sunday as the Lions and Bengals will face off for the first time since the 2021 NFL season.