A COVID-19 outbreak isn’t going to take away the primetime game on Thanksgiving.
The Baltimore Ravens had five players and four staffers test positive this week for the novel coronavirus, according to ESPN. The Thursday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers remains on as scheduled, but the report cited an anonymous source warning that more positive test results could result in a postponement.
“Late last night, we were informed that multiple members of the Baltimore Ravens organization tested positive for COVID-19, and those individuals immediately began to self-quarantine,” the team said in a statement.
“We have started the process of contact tracing, and during this time, the Under Armour Performance Center will be closed, with all team activities conducted virtually. We will continue to work closely with and follow guidance from the NFL, team doctors and our medical trainers.”
Ravens coach Jim Harbaugh said running backs Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins tested positive and will not be available, and defensive tackle Brandon Williams and outside linebacker Pernell McPhee were placed on the COVID-19/reserve list. Rutgers product Gus Edwards is expected to start at running back.
With the exception of a massive reshuffling of games affecting multiple teams after the Tennessee Titans had a widespread outbreak, the NFL has been reluctant to postpone games, especially in the second half of the season, when bye weeks already are spent.
The Ravens canceled Tuesday’s practice and shifted all activities to a virtual setting.
