The Bengals first seven days of practice is off to a good start, perhaps no one has started better than LB Emmanuel Lamur.
Undrafted not unnoticed: LB Emmanuel Lamur has been one of the pleasant surprises of a group Marvin Lewis dubbed the deepest undrafted rookie class he's seen as a coach.
The Kansas State product intercepted a pass to conclude Friday's practice as the latest positive impression on the coaching staff.
Of all the undrafted players he has emerged as the most likely to find a spot on the team. At the very least, he's made enough of an impression that making the practice squad appears likely.
“I've always been the underdog so I have to work twice as hard,” Lamur said. “I've always been that guy working harder than anyone else. I work on the little things and that's what makes me stand out more than other players.”
Injury update: Bernard Scott and CB Brandon Ghee left Thursday's practice nursing hand injuries. Lewis left Scott's status in the area of ambiguity. “He's got an owie,” he said.
Yes, that's right, an “owie” on his hand. Lewis elaborated to say he would have to miss “some time.” As for Ghee, he also has an “owie.” No word on if owie will be added to the injury report this season.
Switching teams:Taveon Rogers, a rookie wide receiver from New Mexico State, ditched his white No. 89 for a black No. 89 during Friday's practice as he moved over to play cornerback.
Rogers said he played some DB in college, but Lewis asked if it was a switch he would be interested in and Rogers obliged. He took about five reps late in practice and will begin meeting with both the receivers and defensive backs.
“I'm trying to make myself more versatile,” he said. “I can play receiver, special teams or cornerback. It was fun being on the other side of the ball. I kind of know how receivers work and what they do. It's all about getting out there.”
Change at the slot: Andrew Hawkins ran with the first team as the slot receiver on Friday. He takes the place of perceived starter Jordan Shipley who was demoted to the second team. Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden has been critical of Shipley's recovery from last year's ACL injury, stating that his explosion has not returned yet.
Hawkins caught 23 passes for 263 yards playing predominantly in the slot last season.
Follow Paul Dehner Jr. for Bengals camp updates on Twitter at @CBSSportsNFLCIN.