The Pittsburgh Steelers are a perfect 8-0 this season.
After a decisive come-from-behind win against the Cowboys, the Steelers were flying high.
Until this morning, that is.
We have placed QB Ben Roethlisberger, OL Jerald Hawkins, RB Jaylen Samuels, and LB Vince Williams on the Reserve/COVID-19 List.https://t.co/slWaWb7gnf
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 10, 2020
Tight End Vance McDonald tested positive for COVID-19 on November 9, 2020.
The Steelers are placing Big Ben along with Hawkins, Samuels, and Williams on the Reserve/COVID-19 List out of an abundance of caution.
How The Process Works
Because of their close contact to McDonald, the four players were added to the COVID-19 list.
Provided they test negative throughout the week, they will be eligible to play against the Bengals.
To be clear, Steelers’ QB Ben Roethlisberger has tested negative and was placed on the Reserve/COVID list for close contacts, per source. Roethlisberger is said to have “been diligent” with his behavior around others.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 10, 2020
In the meantime, Ben and the other players are attending virtual meetings and are not allowed in the Steelers facilities until at least Saturday.
Complications for the Steelers
Now that it is getting later in the season, there is less flexibility to manipulate bye weeks and reschedule games.
The Steelers have already had their bye week moved from Week 7 to Week 4 because of the COVID-19 outbreak that affected the Tennessee Titans.
Further Complications with the Bengals
The Steelers are playing the Bengals on Sunday who also have COVID-19 issues.
Currently, the Bengals have 5 players on the Reserve/COVID-19 List.
They are:
- OL Fred Johnson
- CB Trae Waynes
- LB Jordan Evans
- CB Mackensie Alexander
- DT Margus Hunt
Hopefully all players get healthy, and the teams are able to compete on Sunday without issue.
NEXT: Former Steeler Ryan Shazier Speaks Out About Antonio Brown