Clemson football star Justyn Ross to undergo spinal surgery, career in jeopardy
Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross out for the year.
It’s tough news out of Clemson today, as Grace Raynor of The Athletic is reporting star wide receiver Justyn Ross will miss the 2020 season after he was learned he was born with congenital fusion.
Ross missed the last three spring practices due to what was classified as “stinger symptoms.” When he went in for the X-ray, it was revealed he has a condition known as congenital fusion and season-ending surgery would be required. Reports from just over a week ago talked about surgery in June. No one was sure how this would affect Ross’ season until now, but it ultimately means Ross will miss the entire upcoming season. The surgery is now confirmed to happen on Friday.
Breaking injury update from Clemson: Justyn Ross is going to have surgery Friday. When he had an X-ray after the spring injury, he learned he was born with something called congenital fusion. He will not play this season.
— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) June 1, 2020
Swinney commented on the news, saying Ross feels perfectly fine. He’s hopeful Ross will be healed by January, where he will have a decision to make regarding his future. Ross could return to Clemson for his senior season, or leave for the NFL Draft, as he will be eligible after completing his junior year.
"The frustrating thing for Justyn is that he feels perfectly fine." - Dabo Swinney. Hopeful that by January he's doing great and has a decision to make between NFL and another year at Clemson. Devastating news for the Clemson WR.
— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) June 1, 2020
There is a chance Ross may not be able to play football again, but his doctor is currently staying positive but there are no guarantees with an injury of this magnitude.
Ross is the No. 2 wide receiver and a top-10 prospect in FanSided’s NFL Draft Big Board.
Ross had one of the better freshman seasons at Clemson in recent memory, posting 1,000 yards on just 46 catches and added nine touchdowns in 2018. His numbers regressed a little in 2019, hauling in 66 passes for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. Expectations were certainly high for Ross entering his junior season where he was slated to be the number one target for quarterback Trevor Lawrence with Tee Higgins now in the NFL.
This injury definitely affects the Clemson offense, even with a team as balanced as many expect them to be. The Tigers will likely still have a hold on the ACC, but lacking a top target in the playoff games will be tough unless a top target emerges throughout the season.
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