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Cincinnati Bengals: Rookie John Ross placed on IR

By Jeff Wallner, The Sports Xchange
Cincinnati Bengals Twitter
Cincinnati Bengals Twitter

CINCINNATI -- It was thought that Cincinnati rookie wide receiver John Ross was likely to be part of the active roster on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

Head coach Marvin Lewis even said so on Wednesday, but it's not going to happen.

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Ross, the ninth overall pick in last year's draft, has been inactive nine of 12 games. Lewis joked that with significant injuries in the secondary, he might put Ross at corner.

"He's done it, he's played it," Lewis said. "That was the first video I ever saw of John Ross (at the University of Washington), was him playing cornerback. But yes, this is a good opportunity for John to possibly be suited up this week."

Ross did not practice on Wednesday due to a shoulder injury, although the seriousness was not divulged.

Later in the afternoon, Ross was placed on injured reserve.

--Bears kicker Mike Nugent returns to Cincinnati where he spent seven seasons before being cut last year after 13 games. He signed with Chicago this week after Cairo Santos was placed on injured reserve.

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"A few text messages with Mike," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said when asked if he stayed in touch. "I'm glad he's getting another opportunity this year. I'll be glad to see him kick off for the second time, one time (laughter)."

Nugent, who also kicked for the Cowboys this season when Dan Bailey was injured, made 81.8 percent of his field goals during his Bengals career, but six missed extra points last season resulted in his release.

SERIES HISTORY: 11th regular-season meeting. Bengals lead series, 6-4, including wins in two of the past three meetings. The Panthers are the only current NFL franchise the Bengals have played fewer times. The Bears won the most recent meeting, 24-21 at Soldier Field in 2013.

NOTES: CB William Jackson III got a vote of confidence from head coach Marvin Lewis on Wednesday after the first-year corner had a rough night in Monday night's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, including an embarrassing missed tackle on Le'Veon Bell's 35-yard touchdown run. "William is a young guy, he's still learning," said Lewis. "He'll likely be an All-Pro at some point, but he's still grasping it." ... RB Joe Mixon did not practice Wednesday due to a concussion suffered during Monday night's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mixon rushed for 34 yards on seven carries on Monday, coming off a career-high 114 yards the week before vs. Cleveland. He will need to pass protocol before being made active for Sunday's game against the Bears.

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