Bengals Rookie Shemar Stewart Impresses in First Practice After Contract Resolution

Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart has quickly made an impact at Cincinnati Bengals training camp after ending his contract holdout and signing a deal with the team. Stewart, the Bengals' first-round pick, immediately took first-team reps on defense and showed promising performance, including multiple passes batted down at the line of scrimmage. Head coach Zac Taylor praised Stewart's readiness and noted the importance of getting him acclimated to the team and practice drills after months of inactivity. Stewart held out during the offseason due to a contract dispute over guaranteed money clauses but ultimately agreed to terms that included additional signing bonus incentives. Stewart expressed no regrets about the holdout, emphasizing his desire to get on the field and start learning with the team. The Bengals are optimistic about Stewart's ability to contribute early, especially following the retirement of Sam Hubbard, as fans and the team gear up for the new season.