A routine training-camp session for the Cincinnati Bengals turned contentious on Wednesday when first-round rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart lost his footing during 11-on-11 drills and collided with franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, knocking the passer to the turf. Offensive linemen Lucas Patrick and Ted Karras immediately confronted Stewart, and a brief scuffle ensued before coaches separated the players. Karras, a three-time team captain, later told reporters he admired the edge Stewart brings but urged the 17th overall pick to "be smarter," adding, "That’s all our hopes and dreams right there." Patrick echoed the concern, saying the line "can’t let No. 9 get hit." Protecting Burrow remains a central focus for Cincinnati after the quarterback was sacked 48 times last season despite leading the NFL with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns. Stewart, who ended a prolonged contract hold-out in late July, was drafted to bolster a defense that struggled in 2024. Teammates praised his athleticism earlier in camp, but Wednesday’s incident underscored the need for controlled aggression as the Bengals aim to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2022.