• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Apr 28, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals first round draft pick John Ross speaks in a press conference at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene/Cincinnati Enquirer via USA TODAY NETWORK

The Mysterious Case of John Ross

December 14, 2017
Buffalo Completes the Sweep in New England: Patriots Standout Performances in Week 16

A Golden Opportunity Awaits the Super Bowl-Starved Buffalo Bills

January 24, 2021
New England Enemy Profile: Buffalo Bills

Overdue Bills? Allen is the Key to a Buffalo Berth in Super Bowl LV

January 24, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

January 24, 2021
Bills

NFL Betting: Bills Well Represented on Conference Championship Props

January 24, 2021
Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic Ready for ‘Fresh Start’ in Columbus

Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic Ready for ‘Fresh Start’ in Columbus

January 24, 2021
NFC Championship Odds: Packers Maintain Betting Edge Over Visiting Bucs

NFC Championship Odds: Packers Maintain Betting Edge Over Visiting Bucs

January 23, 2021
AFC Championship Odds: Bills Visit Kansas City as Attractive Underdogs

AFC Championship Odds: Bills Visit Kansas City as Attractive Underdogs

January 23, 2021
Detroit Lions Conclude Coaching, Front Office Searches

Detroit Lions Conclude Coaching, Front Office Searches

January 23, 2021
Dolphins Active With Reserve/Future Contracts, Coach Shuffling

Dolphins Active With Reserve/Future Contracts, Coach Shuffling

January 23, 2021
Giants Free-Agency Targets: EDGE Shaquil Barrett

Giants Free-Agency Targets: EDGE Shaquil Barrett

January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron’s Consistency Was His Greatest Asset

Hank Aaron’s Consistency Was His Greatest Asset

January 22, 2021

AFC Championship Preview: Three Keys To Victory

January 22, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Sunday, January 24, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL AFC

The Mysterious Case of John Ross

Brandon Sysak by Brandon Sysak
December 14, 2017
in AFC, AFC North, Around FPC, Cincinnati Bengals
Reading Time: 4min read
0
Apr 28, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals first round draft pick John Ross speaks in a press conference at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene/Cincinnati Enquirer via USA TODAY NETWORK

Apr 28, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals first round draft pick John Ross speaks in a press conference at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene/Cincinnati Enquirer via USA TODAY NETWORK

1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

When it was determined that the Cincinnati Bengals would have the ninth overall selection in the 2017 NFL draft, fans and analysts alike were curious about the potential of the pick. The Bengals still had a well-rounded overall roster and legitimate ambitions to make the playoffs and contend going forward. This pick was a unique opportunity to bolster their success with a high-value player at any of several positions. Perhaps with a blue-chip feature back, to carry the load that Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill had been sharing. Maybe a fast edge rusher for the defense to complement two ends in Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap. Or possibly the pick could be moved, used to recoup lower picks and reinforce an offensive line depleted by free agency. For owner/president/general manager Mike Brown and company, the possibilities seemed endless.

While they were mulling this selection, Washington receiver John Ross was lighting up the track at the combine in Indianapolis.

More FromFPC

Buffalo Completes the Sweep in New England: Patriots Standout Performances in Week 16

A Golden Opportunity Awaits the Super Bowl-Starved Buffalo Bills

January 24, 2021

Overdue Bills? Allen is the Key to a Buffalo Berth in Super Bowl LV

January 24, 2021

Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

January 24, 2021

NFL Betting: Bills Well Represented on Conference Championship Props

January 24, 2021

Many prospects at the combine had speed; none were as fast as Ross. In his first sprint, he crossed the 40-yard marker in 4.22 seconds, breaking Rondel Menendez’ 4.24 record from 1999. Ross broke the record in Nike shoes, costing him the free island Adidas had offered up. Despite injuring himself during the run, Ross’ speed catapulted him up draft boards and into viral NFL media stardom. This elite speed made him a sought-after commodity for NFL scouts. Even if his size (5’11”, 190 lbs.) and established receiving skills were limiting factors.

This flash was enough to draw the attention of the Bengals front office. They worked him out pre-draft and highly considered taking him early before ultimately securing him with the ninth pick. While Ross wasn’t the biggest attention draw in the Bengals’ class (thanks to Joe Mixon), his potential still inspired optimism. If his otherworldly speed translated onto the field, the Bengals could have two elite receivers between him and A.J. Green.

Unfortunately, that won’t come to be this season.

The Bengals placed Ross on Injured Reserve (IR) earlier this week due to a recently-discovered shoulder injury. He spent substantially more time off the field than on it and failed to significantly impact a single game. Against the Texans in Week 2, he carried the ball one time, gaining twelve yards before fumbling the ball away. Those statistics – 1 carry, 12 yards, 1 fumble – are his official season totals for 2017.

On one hand, several rookie receivers have lost seasons to injury – Josh Doctson, Kevin White, and Breshad Perriman most recently. What makes Ross’ situation more intriguing – and unsettling – than those stories is the timetable of this specific injury.

Ross had numerous injuries during his career at Washington. He tore his ACL before the Huskies’ 2015 season kicked off. Ross tore his shoulder labrum once during their 2016 season, then reaggravated it in their playoff loss against Alabama. He was still nursing that injury when he tweaked his calf while running the 40-yard dash at the combine. He also strained his calf on his record-breaking combine sprint but that injury has been a non-factor for Ross.

Ross’ shoulder required surgery that largely held him out of training camp. Ross was injured again in his preseason debut against the Redskins, spraining his knee and was yet again sent to the training room. He returned briefly against Houston, but played sparingly and was deactivated shortly thereafter on account of the same injury. From there, Ross was in and out of the lineup – sometimes on account of injury, sometimes a (seemingly) healthy scratch.

Then, suddenly, it was announced that Ross would be put on IR with a shoulder injury designation. Shortly afterward, coach Marvin Lewis made an interesting comment about Ross’ situation recorded by SiriusXM NFL’s Ross Tucker.

Asked Marvin Lewis about rookie WR John Ross shoulder on @SiriusXMNFL & he said it's the "other shoulder" and that Ross had been concealing injury hoping to play before finally "coming clean" with team.

— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) December 7, 2017

Ross appears to have withheld information regarding his new shoulder injury from the team, instead vouching to play through it while downplaying its severity. Based on the circumstances, there is not much information about this specific injury at this time but it was a serious enough injury to place Ross on IR.

Now, there are two sides to this situation, and neither is necessarily wrong.  Lewis and the staff should be upset when one of their players – especially one as valuable to the organization as Ross – isn’t entirely truthful about their health. They made a large investment in him (a first-round pick and a four-year, $17.1 million a contract). Their confidence in that investment is based on trust, and Ross being dishonest with them shakes that foundation. More pragmatically, it’s based on Ross’ long-term health – which he could’ve directly compromised by neglecting his short-term health.

On Ross’ hand, the receiver has plenty to gain from trying to play through injury if he believes he can. He has entered the league with the undesirable ‘injury-prone’ tag – an incredibly difficult label to remove once it’s been applied. It sticks in the minds of fans and front office personnel, as well as the players who bear it themselves. Why wouldn’t Ross try to defeat the narrative early, rather than contribute and let it snowball out of his control?

This seems more like a miscommunication, in words and in action, than a malicious attempt at dishonesty. Ross wanted to continue playing, but didn’t allow Lewis full access and put them both in a bad situation. Perhaps Lewis could’ve acted differently, but there’s little reason for any party involved to publicly discuss the situation further. Ross will learn from the experience and both parties are quietly moving forward.

With any luck, Ross’ career on the field can get back on track in a similar fashion. In a quiet year for rookie receivers in general (Pittsburgh’s JuJu Smith-Schuster excluded), Ross’ absence has escaped widespread scrutiny. If he takes his time in rehab and looks strong in his 2018 return, no one will remember this struggle.

Hopefully that will be the start of a good, long career for Ross in Cincinnati.

Tags: BengalsCincinnatiCincinnati BengalsJohn RossMarvin Lewis
Share602Tweet377
Previous Post

Tommy Nobis, First Player Drafted By Falcons, Dead At Age 74

Next Post

Bengals Co-Founder Pete Brown Dead At Age 74

Brandon Sysak

Brandon Sysak

Next Post
Bengals Co-Founder Pete Brown Dead At Age 74

Bengals Co-Founder Pete Brown Dead At Age 74

Rams Secondary Takes Hits In Loss to Eagles

Rams Secondary Takes Hits In Loss to Eagles

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Packers 2021 Mock Draft 1.0

Packers 2021 Mock Draft 1.0

January 1, 2021
Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chicago Bears: Predictions For Week 6 Matchup against Carolina Panthers

October 14, 2020
Love

Cavs-Warriors Discussed Kevin Love Trade

November 14, 2020
Nov 17, 2018; Athens, GA, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen wide receiver Andy Isabella (5) runs past Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Christopher Smith (29) to score a touchdown after catching a pass during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings Mock Draft 3.0: Post-Combine Edition

8
Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

7
LeBron

LeBron, not Michael, is the Greatest of All Time

5
Buffalo Completes the Sweep in New England: Patriots Standout Performances in Week 16

A Golden Opportunity Awaits the Super Bowl-Starved Buffalo Bills

January 24, 2021
New England Enemy Profile: Buffalo Bills

Overdue Bills? Allen is the Key to a Buffalo Berth in Super Bowl LV

January 24, 2021
Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

January 24, 2021

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Yankees acquire Jameson Taillon
    by Full Press Coverage on January 24, 2021 at 6:54 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8481815609.mp3
  • Ep 22: Championship Weekend Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on January 24, 2021 at 1:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8343554021.mp3
  • Ep 60: Conference Championship Weekend/Remembering Hank Aaron
    by Full Press Coverage on January 23, 2021 at 8:20 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2498603921.mp3
  • Ep 47: AJ Lee
    by Full Press Coverage on January 23, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9258885629.mp3
  • Ep 60: R.I.P. Ted Thompson
    by Full Press Coverage on January 22, 2021 at 10:56 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8176794666.mp3
  • Ep #86: Chiefs vs Bills AFC Championship Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on January 22, 2021 at 4:22 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9619884388.mp3
  • Ep. 185 - Just Chatting
    by Talkamania on January 22, 2021 at 12:25 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43062341/talkamania_episode_185.mp3
  • Ep.60: Horsemen Business
    by Full Press Coverage on January 22, 2021 at 12:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2752739688.mp3
  • Episode 30: NFL Playoffs, Bears DC Search, Good Vibes on Deshaun Watson? (with Richie Chicago of Shoot Your Shot Sports)
    by Full Press Coverage on January 22, 2021 at 4:53 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9697694193.mp3
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 9:38 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4775422577.mp3

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 47: AJ Lee
    by Evan Gomes on January 23, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • WWE NXT Results, Grades & Opinion: January 20, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 21, 2021 at 5:21 am

    WWE NXT Results: January 20, 2021 A.K.A. Fight Pit 2: Electric Boogaloo Results: Leon Ruff & […]

  • AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: January 20, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 21, 2021 at 3:53 am

    AEW Dynamite Results: January 20, 2021 A.K.A. The One With -1’s Birthday Results: “Hangman” […]

  • Royal Rumble 2021: Making the Case For Big E
    by Evan Gomes on January 19, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    It is time for Big E to get his own Wrestlemania moment. After striking out on his own brand away […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: January 18, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 19, 2021 at 4:50 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Analysis: January 18, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Alexa Goes Full Fiend […]

More Wrestling News

  • Newest Jets Forward Dubois Already “At Home” in Winnipeg
    by Carter Brooks on January 24, 2021 at 8:05 pm

    Saturday's blockbuster deal featuring the likes of Pierre-Luc Dubois, Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic […]

  • Ovechkin Tops NHL’s 2021 UFA Class
    by Bob Duff on January 24, 2021 at 4:31 pm

    The Capitals Alex Ovechkin tops an impressive free agent class this offseason. The post Ovechkin […]

  • Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic Ready for ‘Fresh Starts’ in Columbus
    by Carter Brooks on January 24, 2021 at 12:32 am

    It was a trade that nearly every armchair GM could have made, and nearly everyone within the cities […]

  • 2021 AHL Schedule Release Breakdown
    by C.C. Hawkley on January 23, 2021 at 7:08 pm

    The AHL released its 2021 regular season schedule on Friday. C.C. Hawkley breaks down the number of […]

  • Blue Jackets Ship Dubois to Jets For Laine and Roslovic in NHL Blockbuster
    by Lyle Richardson on January 23, 2021 at 5:46 pm

    The Pierre-Luc Dubois and Patrik Laine sagas are over as the Blue Jackets and Jets swap disgruntled […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
  • Ep 47: Recapping the Bruins Offseason to this Point
    by Full Press Coverage on October 21, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    Ian and Chris the free agent moves the Bruins have and haven't made as […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/21440275/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F5e55ff65a935458b843f84f596268c6e.m4a
  • Ep 46: NHL Free Agency Wishlist; Krug and Chara's Future; Rask to Stay
    by Full Press Coverage on October 9, 2020 at 8:21 pm

    Ian and Chris recap the Bruins draft and take a look ahead to the start of […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/20863092/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F02c7a7b0f8c9979d30155fe48c48dfba.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage