Clemson receiver Justyn Ross will miss the entirety of the 2020 season and his career could be in jeopardy after he was diagnosed with what coach Dabo Swinney called a “congenital fusion” in his spine.
Ross, who blossomed as a freshman during Clemson’s run to a national championship, was expected to be the focal point of the Tigers’ passing game in 2020. Ross suffered what the team thought was a stinger during a scrimmage on the final practice session before the coronavirus shutdown ended spring workouts. The next day, team doctors said X-rays showed the issue, which Swinney said Ross has had since birth without being aware of it.
Ross will fly to Pittsburgh on Thursday and undergo surgery on Friday with Dr. David Okonkwo, a leading neuroscientist, according to Swinney.
Swinney said Ross is in good spirits and physically fine, but that the injury is a significant concern if he were to play football.
“He feels perfectly fine,” Swinney said, “but doctors know he’s at risk.”
Swinney said Okonkwo is “optimistic” that Ross will be able to get back to football at some point, but Swinney said he is unaware of any player who’s undergone surgery for this issue and returned previously.
“In January, Justyn will have a decision to make,” Swinney said, noting Ross could either return to Clemson for a fourth season or test the NFL combine, should the injury appear healed.
Ross finished last season with 66 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns.