Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has tested positive for COVID-19, according to NFL Network.
Jackson’s positive test marks the fourth straight day a Ravens player has tested positive for COVID-19 and makes Jackson — the reigning NFL most valuable player — arguably the highest-profile player in any sport to test positive for coronavirus. Not including Jackson, whose positive test has yet to be confirmed officially by the team, the Ravens have 10 players on the reserve/COVID-19 list, which indicates a player has tested positive or is considered a “high-risk” close contact with an infected person.
The outbreak in Baltimore forced the NFL to reschedule the Thanksgiving primetime game between the Ravens (6-4) and Pittsburgh Steelers (10-0) to Sunday afternoon, but it is unclear if the pivotal AFC North game will be held.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh told his players on Thursday that due to safety precautions, players will not be allowed back in the training facility until Monday at the earliest, according to ESPN.
If Jackson can’t play on Sunday, the Ravens will likely turn to Robert Griffin III, who has thrown two passes this season — a nine-yard completion and an interception. He’s rushed for one yard on five carries.
Trace McSorley went on the reserve/COVID-19 list last week, leaving practice-squad rookie Tyler Huntley as the team’s only available quarterback after the former Heisman Trophy winner Griffin. Jackson has thrown for 1,948 yards, with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions this season. He has completed 63.4 percent of his passes, starting all 10 games this season.
On Wednesday, the Ravens disciplined a strength and conditioning coach who didn’t inform them of COVID-19-related symptoms and had not consistently worn a mask or tracking device, as required by NFL protocols, the team and NFL.com reported.
Running backs Mark Ingram II and J.K. Dobbins, defensive tackle Brandon Williams, Linebacker Pernell McPhee, defensive ends Calais Campbell and Jihad Ward, offensive linemen Patrick Mekari and Matt Skura, McSorley and defensive back Iman Marshall are on the reserve/COVID-19 list, according to the Ravens.
–Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)
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