A long-time hopeful will not get a fourth chance at Kansas City’s roster.
On Wednesday, the NFL transactions report revealed that the Kansas City Chiefs have waived wide receiver Justyn Ross, only five days before the team is due to report to training camp.
During his freshman season at Clemson in 2018, Ross appeared to be a future superstar. In that season’s College Football Playoff games against Notre Dame and Alabama, Ross and now Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence connected 12 times for 301 yards and three touchdowns as the Tigers were crowned national champions.
Unfortunately, Ross would later miss the entire 2020 season after having spinal fusion surgery. While he did return for the 2021 season, Ross went undrafted in 2022 and signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.
Ross’ troubles then continued with the Chiefs. After unprecedented hype for an undrafted free agent, he missed his rookie season with a foot injury. Ross returned healthy and made the Chiefs’ active roster in 2023, but he then missed six games of that campaign on the Commissioner’s Exempt List following an October domestic violence arrest. He finished the season with six catches for 53 yards.
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Ross did not make the Chiefs’ 53-man roster in 2024, and he signed to the practice squad. Although he was elevated for a pair of games, he did not record any stats.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network later reported that Ross asked Kansas City for his release last week.
No corresponding move was announced, meaning the Chiefs have an opening on the 90-man training camp roster.