CINCINNATI (AP) — First-round draft pick Cedric Ogbuehi (oh-BWAY’-hee) has been cleared to practice with the Cincinnati Bengals, giving the offensive tackle a chance to play this season.

The Bengals took Ogbuehi with the 21st overall pick even though he was still recovering after tearing an ACL in Texas A&M’s bowl game. They were content to let him rehabilitate the injury and play next season, but Ogbuehi’s recovery went faster than expected.

Linebacker Sean Porter — a fourth-round pick in 2013 — also was cleared to practice on Tuesday. He has been recovering from a torn ACL suffered early last season.

Both players can practice for up to 21 days on roster exemptions before the Bengals (8-0) have to decide whether to activate them.