Bengals to get first full look at Ross-Mixon combo

The Cincinnati Bengals will get their first look at the offense they envisioned when they drafted wide receiver John Ross in the first round and running back Joe Mixon in the second today against the Indianapolis Colts.

Ross is active for the first time since Week 2, when he played just five snaps and Mixon played 16.

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Mixon has since emerged as the feature back under offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, who replaced Ken Zampese after the 0-2 start. That means the Bengals should have their two newest weapons on the field at the same time more often than not.

Ross suffered the knee injury that has derailed the start of his career in the preseason finale against Indianapolis. After re-aggravating it in the Week 2 loss to the Texans, he didn’t practice again until Oct. 16 and didn’t return to full participation until this week.

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His return is well timed given that the Bengals will be without two wide receivers today in Tyler Boyd (knee) and Cody Core (concussion), both of whom were ruled out Friday. Also out with injuries are H-back Ryan Hewitt (knee) and linebacker Kevin Minter (elbow).

The three healthy scratches on the active list are offensive linemen Christian Westerman and Alex Redmond and cornerback KeiVarae Russell.

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Vinny Rey is expected to start for Minter.

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