Signs point to first-round pick Ross playing Sunday

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis wouldn’t say it, but signs point to rookie first-round pick John Ross making his preseason debut Sunday at Washington.

Quarterback Andy Dalton made it sound as though he expects to be throwing passes to Ross in the nationally televised game.

“I think this will be a good chance for people to see him for the first time and for him to get some first-game action, which will be good for him,” Dalton said.

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Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, who also has yet to play in the preseason after fracturing his hand in the offseason, said he’s eager to see what Ross at full speed is going to look like.

“He’s been holding a lot back,” Kirkpatrick said. “They’re watching him, hovering over him, making sure he’s doing everything correctly. It will be good to go out there and see him blow it out.”

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Ross, who was a full participant in practice for the first time last week , offered little on his chances of playing Sunday.

“It’s something we’ll find out,” he said. “Something we’re waiting for. I think it’s imperative to play in the preseason.”

Lewis offered less.

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“John Ross has done well,” he said. “Last week they said he was good to go and return (for practice) and we did that.”

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