John Ross, a former first-round draft pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017, has signed with the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad. This move presents a fresh opportunity for the speedy wide receiver, who was once considered one of the NFL’s top young talents. Ross is best known for his blazing speed, particularly his record-setting 40-yard dash time of 4.22 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine, which still stands as the fastest in the event’s history. His signing with the Eagles marks another chapter in his NFL journey as he seeks to revitalize his career.
Ross was selected ninth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Bengals, with the hope that he could develop into a game-changing deep threat. However, his career in Cincinnati was marred by injuries and inconsistency. Over four seasons with the Bengals, Ross appeared in 27 games, making 51 receptions for 733 yards and 10 touchdowns. While there were flashes of brilliance, such as his 158-yard, two-touchdown performance in the 2019 season opener, injuries severely hampered his ability to stay on the field and contribute consistently.
After being released by the Bengals, Ross signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants in 2021. He played in 10 games, catching 11 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown. Though he showed glimpses of the deep threat potential that made him a first-round pick, his time with the Giants was also limited due to injuries. Ross did not play in the NFL during the 2022 season, raising questions about his future in the league.
Now, the 28-year-old wide receiver is looking to make a comeback with the Eagles. By joining Philadelphia’s practice squad, Ross will have the opportunity to learn the Eagles’ system, improve his health, and potentially earn a spot on the active roster. The Eagles, known for their explosive offense and deep passing game, could be an ideal fit for a player like Ross, whose speed remains his most valuable asset.
For the Eagles, adding Ross to the practice squad provides them with a low-risk, high-reward player. If Ross can stay healthy and prove himself in practice, he could potentially add another dimension to their already potent offense. The Eagles are currently one of the favorites in the NFC, and having a player with Ross’s speed could help them stretch the field and create big-play opportunities.
While Ross’s NFL career has not lived up to the lofty expectations that came with being a top-10 pick, his journey is far from over. With the Eagles, he has the chance to rewrite his story and show that he can still be a valuable contributor in the league. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Ross can finally tap into the potential that made him such an intriguing prospect in the first place.
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