GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Packers continued to use Jeremy Ross on kick returns and on offense after he fumbled a kickoff early in Sunday's 34-30 loss at Cincinnati. But they won't use him anymore.
On Monday, the Packers released Ross.
Ross misplayed a kickoff in the first quarter by failing to recognize that the ball wouldn't reach the end zone, where he was lined up. As soon as he got to the ball, he fumbled it. The Bengals recovered at the Packers' 2-yard line and scored on the next play.
It was Ross' second botched return in the past four games dating to last season. He muffed a punt in a playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers in January.
The Packers could go back to using receiver Randall Cobb on returns. Cobb held the job until late last season, when Ross took over. Rookie cornerback Micah Hyde also is an option on punt returns, and rookie running back Johnathan Franklin could get a look on kickoff returns.
The Packers (1-2) also could sign a return specialist. The roster stands at 52 players, one short of the limit, as the team heads into its bye week.
