Justyn Ross makes Kansas City Chiefs 53-man roster
If you want the makings of a sentimental comeback story, check out what’s happening with Justyn Ross, who made the Chief’s active roster this week.
Ross is the former Clemson star receiver who was projected as an elite NFL prospect as early as his freshman year in Death Valley. Who doesn’t remember his incredible run through the college football playoffs? He caught six passes for 148 yards and two long touchdowns in a semifinal victory against Notre Dame. Then in Clemson’s national title win over Alabama, Ross caught six passes from then fellow freshman Trevor Lawrence for 153 yards and a touchdown.
However, until this preseason, Ross hadn’t caught a pass in a competitive game in almost two years. His inactivity was all because of a congenital back/neck condition, then an injury to his foot. But this past month, he’s shown those familiar flashes and how dominant a 6-foot-4 receiver can be. Check out this clip shared by the Chiefs social media account.
“YOU GOT ROSS’D” the account proclaimed after Justyn Ross caught a touchdown pass from reserve Chiefs quarterback Shane Buechele.
Chiefs picked Justyn Ross for final receiver spot and traded Ihmir Smith-Marsette to Panthers
The Chiefs opted for Justyn Ross to fill the final roster spot slotted for a receiver. They then traded Ihmir Smith-Marsette, who battled with Ross for the last slot, to the Panthers for a conditional seventh round pick in the 2025 draft.
Smith-Marsette had a big stat game against the Browns. No doubt, his performance caught the attention of the Panthers, who need receivers for new quarterback Bryce Young.
Meanwhile, Ross caught up with former Clemson star Deshaun Watson in post game.
Andy Reid likened Ross missing last season to ‘redshirt’ year
Justyn Ross slipped through the 2022 draft. No team took a chance on him. However, the Chiefs offered him a free-agent deal. Kansas City then placed him on injured reserve at the start of training camp. He missed the entire season. Coach Andy Reid likened it to a redshirt year,
Then this preseason, Ross was so good that he saw time with the first-team Chiefs offense during training camp. Kansas City is known for Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Reid’s innovate offensive calls. Yet, they don’t have a superstar wideout.
Maybe Justyn Ross, eventually, can be that guy. After Ross caught the TD pass, Chiefs GM Brett Veach talked up Ross during the KC telecast.
“It’s been great and obviously everyone knows the fast start he had in college and then he got sidetracked by some injuries,” Veach said. “Last year our training staff did a great job with him of bringing him back and giving him the time needed.
“And I think halfway through the OTAs, I really think you started to see it click. And he started to get that confidence, that self-belief back and it’s continued on through training camps, and we’re certainly expecting big things from Justyn this year.”