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Fan-Favorite Locks Up Chiefs Roster Spot With Stellar Preseason Performance

By Joseph Summers

Aug 13, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cornell Powell (14) and wide receiver Justyn Ross (8) celebrate a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cornell Powell (14) and wide receiver Justyn Ross (8) celebrate a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Justyn Ross hype train has not only left the station, but the former Clemson star showed in yesterday’s preseason game why he deserves a spot on the 52-man roster with the Kansas City Chiefs.

After an impressive performance vs. the Saints that culminated in a 15-yard touchdown reception, Ross excited fans and left no doubt that he’s one of the six best receivers on the team.

Justyn Ross’ Impressive Performance

Ross only had two catches for 29 yards, but he drew five targets while receiving snaps throughout the contest and frequently beat coverage off the line.

https://twitter.com/BradHensonPro/status/1690796059923042305

His size, agility, and ability to change direction quickly make him a rugged cover for defenders, and he’s shown an impressive physicality that endears him to the fan base. This was Ross’ first football game since injuries derailed his college career, but he showed little rust.

The 6’4″, 210 lb wideout also got some run on special teams, increasing the likelihood he’s carved out a roster spot. He fits a physical prototype that Kansas City’s receiving room lacks, a big-bodied athlete who can win on the outside, so it’s encouraging that the coaching staff got him involved as much as possible.

Especially given Kadarius Toney’s lingering knee injury, Ross’ tantalizing upside should be too much for the Chiefs to pass on.

This is a guy who hauled in three touchdowns and over 300 receiving yards in two College Football Playoff games as a freshman, for crying out loud. If he’s healthy and his spinal issues are no longer a concern, it’ll be almost impossible for Brett Veach not to keep him.

He’s been a fan-favorite since the start of training camp and it’s easy to see why. If the Chiefs land a legitimate outside weapon as an undrafted free agent to compliment Travis Kelce, Toney, and the rest of the group, the sky is the limit for this offense.

We’ll see how the Chiefs utilize Ross in the next two preseason games but to this point, he’s proven he deserves a spot on the 52-man roster.

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