Hype for Chiefs rookie abruptly halted by potential injury

The Kansas City Chiefs are hoping rookie Justyn Ross can be a diamond in the rough, but his injury recovery looms large.

Ross has a high ceiling, as the Clemson product is 6-4 and fully recovered after spine and neck surgery which threatened to derail his entire football career. When others told him he shouldn’t play football again, Ross didn’t listen, and instead is out to prove himself with Patrick Mahomes as his quarterback.

However, that professional career could be off to a tough start. Just a few weeks ago, Ross was photographed with a boot on his foot, while using a stroller for an injury to his left foot.

While the extent of that ailment is unknown, it’s not what Ross or Kansas City want to see at this juncture.

Kansas City Chiefs: Where does Justyn Ross fit in?

Ross will have to outperform some veterans in training camp to earn a roster spot, but he’s a storyline to watch for. The former Tiger has the pedigree to earn a role as a UDFA, as the only reason he wasn’t drafted was due to injury concerns. Ross’ talent was never in question.

Assuming Ross is able to recover from whatever this injury is, he’ll do so with a chip on his shoulder. Training camp will be his first opportunity to play with some of the vets. They shouldn’t look back, as some objects in their mirror may be closer than they appear.

“It was frustrating, but I ain’t really had too much stuff easy for me. I done had to push through a lot of stuff so it wasn’t really too bad,” Ross said about not getting drafted. “I’m just trying to fill my role and trying to get all the way, the way I was. Just try to get my foot in the door and try to make plays.”

Ross will have his opportunity, and will hopefully do so at a full go.