Injured Clemson receiver Justyn Ross inching closer to returning to practice drills
By Scott Rogust
Clemson receiver Justyn Ross has been out all year after undergoing surgery to correct a spinal issue but Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney gave an encouraging update on the receiver’s progress.
Clemson football star receiver Justyn Ross is on track to return to the Tigers in 2021. Ross has been sidelined all season after undergoing surgery to repair a congenital fusion condition in his neck and spine.
Ross revealed on Twitter that he was at team practice, wearing a helmet, and Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney said Ross is on track to participate in individual drills next week, and he expects him to be ready for spring practice.
https://twitter.com/_jross8/status/1316048133550469121
Of course, that’s all contingent on Ross receiving the green light from his doctor and not declaring for the NFL Draft where he was a projected first-round pick before the surgery. Additionally, Ross will not participate in any contract drills until he makes his return in the 2021 season.
Dabo Swinney says Ross can start doing individual work next week. No contact at all, but he can start running light routes. Clemson hopeful he gets some good news in December. https://t.co/WpwsaffW1A
— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) October 14, 2020
Dabo Swinney asked about Justyn Ross potentially being ready for a 2021 spring practice return: "That’s our hope. That’s our best case scenario. ... I don’t anticipate him playing football at all as far as being tackled until next fall."
— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) October 14, 2020
More Dabo Swinney on Justyn Ross: "He’s doing great, he’s doing everything. But being tackled is a whole different question. That’s all up to (Ross' doctor)."
— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) October 14, 2020
Justyn Ross will be ready for 2021
In March, Ross picked up a stinger injury during team practices. Yet, that neck ailment turned out to be a more serious issue. That’s when the team and Ross found out he was born with the congenital fusion condition, which is why he picked up the stinger injury in the first place.
Upon arriving at Clemson as a freshman, Ross made an immediate impact. In his two seasons, Ross recorded 112 receptions for 1,865 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Losing Ross for the entire 2020 season was seen as massive for the Clemson football program. Through three games this season, Clemson’s leading receiver is Amari Rodgers, who has hauled in 19 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Travis Etienne narrowly trails Rodgers with 17 receptions for 245 yards and one score.
While Ross won’t take the field for the Tigers this season, all signs point toward him being ready for the 2021 campaign.
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