Kansas City Chiefs place former Clemson receiver Justyn Ross on IR, won't play this season
Former Clemson standout receiver Justyn Ross was placed on the Kansas City Chiefs‘ injured reserve today, meaning that he will not see any action for the team this season.
Ross missed all of the 2020 season for the Tigers recovering from a career-threatening spinal condition that required neck surgery. But, in 2021 came back and racked up 46 catches for 514 yards and three touchdowns for the Tigers in his 10 starts. Ross ended up missing the final three games of the season due to a foot injury, as his troubled injury history most likely was the key factor in him going undrafted in this year’s NFL draft to the Chiefs.
Ross has clear first-round talent, as many where calling him the steal of this year’s draft. He’s made many viral, spectacular catches for the Tigers in his career as he ranks fifth all-time in school history in touchdown catches, 10th in receiving yards, and 11th in career receptions in just three seasons.
Any player placed on the injured reserve before final roster cut-downs has to stay there the entire season, and with Ross’ injury history this may be the best more for both him and the Chiefs. If Ross can spend this year getting healthy and developing, he could potentially be a weapon in the future for this offensive attack notorious for getting the best out of its receivers.
WATCH: Justyn Ross makes ridiculous catch, Patrick Mahomes approves
There’s no hurt feelings in the NFL — Justyn Ross didn’t get drafted, but the former Clemson star is doing everything he can to ensure a future with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Check out this wild one-handed catch Ross made at practice, gaining praise and eyeball emojis all throughout social media.
While catches like that scream premium selection in the NFL Draft, Ross fell due to injury concerns after they took over his final seasons at Clemson. Now, the Chiefs are hoping they found a diamond in the rough with the former Tigers wide receiver.
Luckily for Ross, the most important man in Kansas City was impressed. After seeing thee catch in-person and again on social media, superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes II couldn’t believe Ross acted like the catch was normal.
“Craziest part about this was dude acted like this was normal after he caught it,” tweeted Mahomes.
It’s going to be an uphill climb for Justyn Ross, but the wide receiver has the unmitigated gall to make things happen. While it’s unfortunate injuries prevented him of having his dream moment of being drafted, his dream of a lengthy NFL career is still in arms reach.
And as we’ve seen from Ross, if it’s in arms reach, he’s reeling it in.
On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this report