Jeremy Ross poised for bigger role on offense

After wide receiver Jeremy Ross joined the Detroit Lions during the 2013 season, he quickly established himself as a weapon on special teams. He excelled both as a kick returner and a punt returner, and he's going to once again have a big role on special teams in 2014.

Ross doesn't just want to be a contributor on special teams, though. He's hoping to play a bigger role on offense this year, and based on what Calvin Johnson has seen so far this offseason, it sounds like Ross is well on his way to making that happen.

Calvin Johnson said there's "no doubt" return man Jeremy Ross will have a bigger role on offense this year. #Lions

— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) June 10, 2014

In 10 games last season with the Lions, Ross caught 5 passes for 59 yards and 1 touchdown. He also carried the ball twice for 40 yards. He showed some potential at times in the slot, but the Lions really didn't utilize him all that much on offense.

This year, Ross is getting an excellent opportunity to make an impression on offense for the Lions. He's practiced a lot with the No. 1 offense this offseason, and with questions about Ryan Broyles' health not going away anytime soon, Ross could jump to the top of the depth chart at slot receiver. At the very least, there should be some kind of a role for him on offense, giving Ross a chance to show off more than just his return skills.