Shaka Heyward - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports

Signs extension with Cincinnati The Bengals signed Heyward to a one-year contract extension Monday.

Impact Heyward spent time on injured reserve in 2025 due to a lower leg injury but was able to play in the final four games of the regular season. He mostly contributed on special teams and finished with 16 tackles (four solo) across 12 games.

JANUARY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Activated from IR, playing Week 15 The Bengals activated Heyward (lower leg) from injured reserve Friday, and he does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Impact Heyward had his 21-day practice window open Wednesday and was a full participant in all three practices during Week 15 prep, which was enough for the Bengals to activate him from IR ahead of Sunday's game. Heyward has mostly served on special teams and has logged 10 takcles (four solo) through eight regular-season games.

DECEMBER 13, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Not playing Sunday Heyward (lower leg) has been ruled out for Cincinnati's matchup versus the Bills on Sunday.

Impact Heyward was designated to return from injured reserve, but the team will wait at least one more week before officially activating him. Sunday's game will mark the 25-year-old's fifth consecutive absence, but he'll aim to be good to go for the Week 15 matchup versus Baltimore.

DECEMBER 6, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Practice window opens Heyward (lower leg) was designated to return from the injured reserve list Wednesday.

Impact The Duke product has missed Cincinnati's last four games after sustaining a hairline fracture in his fibula during the Week 8 loss to the Jets, but it now appears he's nearing a return. In eight appearances this season, Heyward has played 137 total snaps (130 on special teams, seven on defense) and tallied 10 total tackles. Once fully healthy, he's expected to operate as one of the Bengals' top special-teamers.

DECEMBER 3, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Lands on injured reserve The Bengals placed Heyward (fibula) on injured reserve Tuesday.

Impact Heyward sustained a hairline fracture to his fibula during the Bengals' Week 8 loss to the Jets. He'll be required to miss at least the next four games and would be eligible to return in Week 14 against the Bills on Sunday, Dec. 7. However, the severity of the injury means Heyward will likely be sidelined beyond that four-game window. He mostly contributed on special teams through the first eight games of the regular season, but his absence will also deplete the Bengals' depth at linebacker.

OCTOBER 29, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Report: Bengals LB Shaka Heyward has fractured fibula Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Shaka Heyward sustained a hairline fracture to his left fibula in Sunday's loss to the New York Jets, NFL Netw...

OCTOBER 27, 2025 • THESTATE.COM

Deadspin | Report: Bengals LB Shaka Heyward has fractured fibula Deadspin | Report: Bengals LB Shaka Heyward has fractured fibula

OCTOBER 27, 2025 • DEADSPIN.COM

Sidelined for weeks Heyward suffered a hairline fracture to his fibula during Sunday's 39-38 loss to the Jets, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Impact Heyward has played 137 total snaps (130 on special teams, seven on defense) over the Bengals' first eight games this season, recording 10 total tackles. Now that he's expected to be sidelined for approximately four weeks, Cincinnati's special-teams unit will likely feel his absence.

OCTOBER 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Bengals linebacker, cousin of Steelers' Cam Heyward, likely headed to injured reserve | Sporting News Shaka Heyward has a hairline fracture in his fibula, likely sending the Bengals linebacker to injured reserve.

OCTOBER 27, 2025 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Hall and Fields help the Jets edge the Bengals 39-38 for their 1st win of the season

Breece Hall rushed for two second-half touchdowns and threw a 4-yard TD pass to Mason Taylor with 1:54 left, helping the New York Jets edge the Cincinnati Bengals 39-38 for their f...

OCTOBER 26, 2025 • Associated Press

Exits with leg injury Heyward (lower leg) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Jets.

Impact Heyward exited the game with a left fibula injury. The 25-year-old linebacker is primarily a special teams player, logging 127 special teams snaps so far this season. His absence will create a void in the unit.

OCTOBER 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Bengals Elevate OT Devin Cochran and LB Shaka Heyward | BENGALS ROSTER UPDATE The Bengals today elevated OT Devin Cochran and LB Shaka Heyward from the practice squad to the active roster for tomorrow’s game at the L.A...

NOVEMBER 16, 2024 • BENGALS.COM

Shaka Heyward Aims to be Diamond in the Rough for Bengals Cincinnati’s defense is loaded, but Heyward is hoping to make a push after signing as an undrafted free agent

AUGUST 17, 2023 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM