Fantasy Alert: Chiefs WR Justyn Ross Receives Reps with Starters in Opening Practice

After missing his entire rookie season, big things could be in store for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross in 2023.

The Athletic's Nate Taylor reported Ross was working with the first team during practice Sunday. He got some reps on special teams as well.

Ross went undrafted in 2022 due in part to concerns stemming from the congenital fusion in his spine, which required surgery. He returned to the field as a junior following the procedure but wasn't the same, finishing with 46 receptions for 514 yards and three touchdowns. He had 1,865 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns across his freshman and sophomore campaigns.

The former Clemson standout then watched his first year in the pros end before it ever began. The Chiefs placed him on season-ending injured reserve after he underwent foot surgery.

Earlier this offseason, head coach Andy Reid was encouraged by what he saw from Ross now that the pass-catcher was back healthy, telling reporters in May that Ross was "coming along."

"He feels good, his foot feels good (and) the surgery that he had worked out well up to this point," Reid said. "He's made some nice plays for us out here. I know Pat's (Mahomes) got trust in him, so that's good to see."

It's a bit premature to get too excited about Ross when him simply making the roster is no sure thing. The competition at the position is fierce with so many players vying for a spot on the final 53-man squad.

But the version of Ross who lit up college football in 2018 and 2019 looked like a surefire first-round talent. You'd expect the 23-year-old will get plenty of chances from the Chiefs to show he can be that or something close to it again.