Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson tests positive for COVID-19, will not face the Steelers in Sunday’s game
Things move fast in the new normal of the COVID-19 world. Just yesterday we reported that because the Baltimore Ravens were experiencing a rash of coronavirus positivity cases, the Ravens’ matchup scheduled for Thanksgiving Day against the Pittsburgh Steelers had to be rescheduled for Sunday, November 29.
But also yesterday, the NFL and the Ravens reported that the Ravens’ star quarterback, Lamar Jackson, has also tested positive for the dreaded and highly contagious virus.
There are rumblings going around the sports world rumor mill that the rescheduled Steelers v. Ravens might be cancelled altogether based on this latest news regarding Jackson. But NFL.com reports that, “veteran QB Robert Griffin III, whose last start came against Pittsburgh in a successful Week 17 outing last season, is slated to take over in Jackson’s place.” So hopefully, Sunday’s grudge match between the two rivals can go ahead as planned.
On November 25, the National Football League announced that “The Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers game scheduled for Thursday, November 26 has been moved to Sunday, November 29, and will be broadcast nationally at 1:15 p.m. ET on NBC.”
This decision was made out of an abundance of caution to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches and game day personnel and in consultation with medical experts. The complete Week 12 NFL Schedule is posted below.
The Steelers took to Twitter to share the news about their game against the Ravens being rescheduled.
And, the Ravens are holding one of their staff members accountable for the team’s coronavirus outbreak and released word that they have disciplined one of their staff members for “conduct surrounding the recent COVID-19 cases that have affected players and staff at the Ravens.”
Turns out, according to CBS Sports, that disciplined staff member is credited with contributing to the 10 positive cases of COVID-19 running through the team – cases which include running backs Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins.
The staff member in question is said to be a strength and conditioning coach who breached league protocols, according to CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora, who also says the league is hopeful that the virus is contained. Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network adds that the staff member did not report symptoms and was not consistently wearing a mask or tracking device. ~ CBS
So, on November 25, the NFL released an updated Week 12 Schedule Update, which includes the Ravens v. Steelers game moving to Sunday at 1:15 p.m. ET on NBC. The updated schedules listed below are all set at Eastern Standard Time.
Sunday, November 29
Las Vegas Raiders at Atlanta Falcons —————- 1:00 PM / CBS
Los Angeles Chargers at Buffalo Bills —————-1:00 PM / CBS
New York Giants at Cincinnati Bengals ————- 1:00 PM / FOX
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts ————– 1:00 PM / CBS
Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars ———- 1:00 PM / CBS
Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings ———— 1:00 PM / FOX
Arizona Cardinals at New England Patriots ——- 1:00 PM / FOX
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets ———————– 1:00 PM / CBS
Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers ——— 1:15 PM / NBC
New Orleans Saints at Denver Broncos ————– 4:05 PM / FOX
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams ———– 4:05 PM / FOX
Kansas City Chiefs at Tampa Bay Buccaneers —— 4:25 PM / CBS
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers ——————- 8:20 PM / NBC
Monday, November 30
Seattle Seahawks at Philadelphia Eagles ———— 8:15 PM / ESPN
To date, Baltimore has placed 10 players (eight starters) on the reserve/COVID-19 list: Jackson, Ingram, Dobbins, Williams, Campbell, McSorley, DE Jihad Ward, outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, and offensive linemen Matt Skura and Patrick Mekari. The team also announced Wednesday that a staff member had been disciplined for conduct related to the recent COVID-19 cases. ~ NFL.com
So, will the Ravens and Steelers be hooking up on Sunday? See the video accompanying this article for more on the story and the possibilities.
~ Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter
