Justyn Ross left Kansas City Chiefs practice today with a hamstring/knee injury. Head coach Andy Reid addressed the media and confirmed that the former Clemson Tigers wide receiver left practice early to receive medical attention.
Ross is a dynamic talent but has had horrific injury luck. He went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft because he has had a complicated medical history. Yet, the Chiefs’ front office noticed the talent and signed Ross as an undrafted rookie free agent.
Latest Injury Update for Justyn Ross
The latest news from NFL Insider Ian Rapoport suggests that the injury is not considered serious.
This one does not appear to be serious. He should be OK. Some good news. https://t.co/OFQK9fpcqt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 15, 2023
Even if so, this is a reminder of Ross’ history with injuries, and although many are excited by his tantalizing talent, he is considered an injury risk.
Ross Has a Long Injury History
In 2020, Ross required neck surgery due to a congenital fusion condition in his neck and spinal area. He would miss the entire 2020 season, and his football career was in doubt.
Ross returned to action in 2021, leading the Tigers in receiving yards. However, Ross would miss the final three games of the season and required surgery to heal a stress fracture to his foot.
Last week, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was specifically asked about what it means for Ross to take the field for the first time in nearly two years.
“That’s the good part of the story, and he came out healthy. That’s a positive thing.”
Who Is Justyn Ross?
Ross has undeniable talent. Breaking on to the college football scene as a freshman in 2018, he stole the show during the national championship game.
Ross was an incredible deep-ball threat during his time at Clemson. During his freshman season, which would be his best season by far, he caught 46 passes for 1,000 yards. Ross had an insane YPC average as one of the best big-play threats in college football.
During the College Football National Championship, Ross made a case that he was the best player on the field that day. In a victory over Alabama and Nick Saban, Ross caught six passes for 153 yards and a touchdown.
The fact that Ross may have been the best player on the field that day — as a freshman — in a game between two teams not lacking talent, Clemson and Alabama, speaks volumes about this young man’s talent.
Ross made his preseason debut this past week, and wouldn’t you know it, he found the end zone for a touchdown. Not many NFL analysts question Ross’ talent, but the second-year receiver must put his injuries behind him and develop more consistency down to down as an NFL receiver if he wishes to scratch the surface of his vast potential.
