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.

CINCINNATI — Shemar Stewart ripped the NFL Band-Aid off this week with his first taste of preseason action in a 34-27 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday. The Bengals' top pick this past April notched one tackle for loss in the game amidst a shifting positional look that had him playing at multiple spots on the front.

Play the stands out: On an otherwise forgettable rep last week, Brooks caught a checkdown in the flat with a defender breaking down in front of him. Brooks caught the pass, instantly jabbed and accelerated upfield untouched, showing off his elusiveness after the catch. That’s the kind of weapon that could thrive in this offense.