John Ross fumbles first touch, Jadeveon Clowney returns

Cincinnati Bengals rookie John Ross fumbled on his first touch, in his regular season debut against the Houston Texans.

Rookie John Ross missed the Bengals first regular season game against the Ravens last week, but was ready to go tonight. Ross got his first chance at making a play with a little over four minutes left in the first quarter. Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton faked a hand off to the running back, and tossed it to Ross in what looked to be an end-around run.

It was certainly looking like it was going to be a big play as he approached the 30-yard line, and then, BAM!, Kareem Jackson of the Texans landed a big hit on Ross that popped the ball out of his hands, and it landed right into the mitts of the hulking Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney then took off and brought his team into exceptional field position to help put some points on the board.

It certainly wasn’t the start that Ross or the Bengals had hoped for, and it’s unfortunate that the rookie will have this to remember as his first chance at making a play when it matters in the NFL.

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Of course Ross can not dwell on this forever, and he projects to be  solid receiver in the NFL with his game changing speed. Ross ran the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in 4.22 seconds, which of course is just more proof of his blazing running ability. The Bengals will need Ross to help create some offense for them, as they have not had much of a threat down the field with the exception of the phenomenal AJ Green. Cincinnati handing the ball off to Ross certainly shows that they plan to make him a versatile player on offense where his speed will allow him to create big plays.