The Baltimore Ravens currently have seven players on the COVID-19/Reserve list. Despite such a massive number of players missing this weeks’ practices and potentially the game itself, coach John Harbaugh said he hasn’t heard any discussions about postponing Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey tested positive for COVID-19 following Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The pre-game test came back positive on Monday, causing the Pro Bowl cornerback to be isolated from the team. In addition, six other players were deemed “high-risk close contact,” forcing them to the COVID-19/Reserve list for the time being as well.
As of right now, Humphrey is the only player on Baltimore’s 53-man roster to test positive for COVID-19 and is out a minimum of 10 days before he can return to the team. The six other players will be isolated for a minimum of five days per the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols, with a chance to return for Sunday’s game as long as they don’t have a positive test or show symptoms.
The uncertainty surrounding the Ravens’ situation could be why Harbaugh has yet to hear any discussions about pushing the game back. In addition, it’s also a bit of a logistic nightmare for the NFL considering Baltimore and Indianapolis have already had a bye week and the Colts play on Thursday night following Sunday’s game. With so few potential options to postpone the game and still play it, the league could be simply crossing their fingers right now and waiting for things to become clearer.
If there is no schedule change, the decision to continue playing the game could rightfully draw the ire of some. Earlier in the season, the Ravens’ schedule was adjusted following an outbreak of COVID-19 among the Tennessee Titans. The Titans’ game with the Pittsburgh Steelers was eventually postponed to Week 7, moving Baltimore’s bye week to accommodate the change. Ultimately, Tennessee was fined $350,000 for breaking the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols but wasn’t forced to forfeit their game or any draft picks for the violation.
