The Facts: The Bengals informed former first-round pick Ross that they are declining his fifth-year option, a source tells ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Diehards Line: Ross, the ninth pick overall in 2017, now is contractually tied to Cincinnati only for 2020, not beyond. Ross, 25, has had an injury-prone first three seasons. He has played in only 24 of a possible 48 games, making 49 catches for 716 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Bengals selected Tee Higgins in the second round and hope to see the healthy return of A.J. Green, who missed last season with an ankle injury. The Bengals used the franchise tag on Green.