There wasn’t much of a silver lining for the AFC North cellar dweller Ravens following yesterday’s loss to the Browns, despite one Raven’s efforts to provide one.
After struggling to find a return man, then with the loss of Michael Campanaro to another season-ending injury, it appears as if Jerry Rosburg finally found the man for the job with Jeremy Ross.
Ross, recently promoted to the active roster played well in his first game as a Raven. The former Detroit Lion returned two punts for 21 yards and five kickoffs for nearly 140 yards.
“Any practice squad guy will tell you that they want to be out there, they want to play the games,” said Ross following the game on Sunday. “I was one of those guys, and I definitely wanted to play. I knew what it felt like to play and be on a roster. I definitely loved it today.”
Ross took extra reps throughout the week after coaches approached the practice squad player informing him he would be in the kick/punt return rotation on Sunday.
The wide receiver also got involved on offense, providing Joe Flacco with another option in the passing game. Ross saw eight offensive snaps and caught his only two targets for 24 yards including 18 YAC (Yards after catch). His 24 receiving yards were the second-most by a wide receiver (Kamar Aiken 4 rec, 78 yards).
While the offensive reps will likely increase after his performance on Sunday, Ross is focusing on a permanent role when t comes to punt and kick returns.
“I was prepared for it if it came, and it did,” he replied. “I’m going to go out and prepare like I am every practice. As a competitor, you want to be the guy to make plays for the team, so that’s definitely in my nature.
“I’ll be whoever I need to be for this team.”
Now if he could just play corner…..
Follow me on Twitter @sportguyRSR
