Chiefs React to Justyn Ross Scoring His First Touchdown Since 2021
The Kansas City Chiefs were defeated by the New Orleans Saints to open up both clubs' 2023 preseason slates, yet there was still one moment that stood out from the rest.
In the third quarter, wide receiver Justyn Ross hauled in a pass from quarterback Shane Buechele and capitalized with a 15-yard touchdown. It marked another key stop on what's been a long road to this point for the 23-year-old:
For Ross, this was the first time he'd scored a touchdown in a game since he was a star back in college at Clemson. In fact, his two-score game on Sept. 25, 2021, was the last day he found the end zone in a game environment. That's nearly two full calendar years without reaching the pinnacle for someone who was once regarded as a can't-miss collegiate prospect. While Ross was somewhat effective down the stretch of the 2021 season, his campaign was cut short due to injury and it tanked his draft stock.
Not being selected at all in the 2022 NFL Draft, Ross ended up in Kansas City when general manager Brett Veach took a chance on him by extending a UDFA contract. Ross then spent his entire rookie season on the shelf while he worked his way back to full health. He came back with a vengeance this offseason, making highlight plays in practice seemingly every time someone turned their attention to him. On Sunday, he converted on that buzz by scoring.
After the game, Buechele praised Ross's perseverance and the job he did against the Saints.
"Yeah, we were talking about it," Buechele said. "He did a great job of executing and both of us being on the same page, but it was the reaction after that we were all happy about. Seeing the smile on his face, seeing all the hard work that he's put in from all of his injuries. Just tough times for him so for him to be out on the field trusting his ability and then just executing on the play, it was awesome. It was good to see."
Ross finished in a five-way tie for third place on the Chiefs with two receptions against the Saints, and his 29 yards ranked fifth among all pass-catchers who appeared in the game. He was one of three receivers to catch a touchdown pass, joining veteran Richie James and spring minicamp standout Kekoa Crawford. Outside of the touchdown and his other logged reception, Ross was targeted three additional times by Buechele on the afternoon.
Without a fullback in the picture this season and given defensive end Charles Omenihu's eventual transition to the league's suspended list to begin the season, Ross's chances of making the Chiefs' initial 53-man roster appear to be growing by the day. In the event that he didn't make the team, it stands to reason that another team would pick him up off waivers. For that reason, and also given the uncertainty surrounding fellow wideout Kadarius Toney's knee injury, the 6-foot-4 receiver's hype train is gaining steam every time he steps out onto the field — practice or not.
Regardless of whether Ross ends up making the team, head coach Andy Reid is happy that he was able to make an impact and come out on the other side of it in good shape.
"That's the good part of the story," Reid said. "And he came out healthy, so that's a positive thing."
