With the contract impasse behind him, Cincinnati Bengals rookie edge rusher Shemar Stewart can focus on football. And he did a fine job of that Thursday in the Bengals’ preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Stewart was in on a tackle for a loss in Thursday’s 34-27 loss and also had a couple of hurries on Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee, who started the game. NFL analyst Brian Baldinger broke down some of Stewart’s game and had plenty of praise for the 17th overall pick from April’s draft.
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On a night where the defense looked sluggish and allowed the Eagles’ second team (with a couple of contributors mixed in) to easily drive the field on their first possession of the game, Stewart was a highlight and continued to build on what has been a very nice camp and preseason thus far, especially considering he started late because of the contract issues.
Stewart will continue to get needed reps throughout the preseason, but the early returns should at least have him very much in the pass-rush rotation, especially with Trey Hendrickson remaining out.
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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart impresses in first preseason game
Reporting by Billy Riccette, Bengals Wire / Bengals Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
