Bengals: Why John Ross can finally live up to his draft billing in 2020
By Aaron Burd
John Ross has a shot at improved health
The talent is there for Ross, but in 2020 he will have to prove he can stay healthy. Throughout his three year career, he has only played in 24 games. In the NFL, the best ability is availability and up to this point, Ross has rarely been available. Nevertheless, a loaded group of Bengals receivers can work to his advantage and help preserve his health.
With players like A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins, and Auden Tate in the fold, Ross will not be required to be on the field at all times. Instead, he can be rotated in and out of the game, in order to stay fresh.
While this may sound like it would hurt his ability to produce, it could actually prolong his playing time throughout the season. A rotation may give him fewer snaps on a game-to-game basis, but it would actually increase his chances of staying healthy for an entire season.
Zac Taylor has already proven he is capable of ensuring injury-riddled players make it through an entire sixteen game slate in one piece. Look no further than Tyler Eifert for evidence. Before Taylor came onto the scene, the former Notre Dame tight end was unable to play in any more than eight games in the previous three years. Under Taylor’s watch, he competed in every contest.
Taylor wasn’t able to get the same results out of Ross as he did with Eifert in his first year, but with a better understanding this season, he may be able to reach a similar outcome. If he succeeds and Ross can stay healthy for an entire season, he could finally become a significant part of the Bengals’ offense.