BALTIMORE — Multiple Ravens were found to be "high-risk close contacts" after cornerback Marlon Humphrey tested positive for COVID-19, and they must self-isolate for at least five days ahead of Sunday's road game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL's chief medical officer, said on a conference call Tuesday that the league identified the six members of the organization through contact tracing. The six Ravens, whom the team has not identified, will undergo daily testing while on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Humphrey was placed on the list Monday after testing positive last Sunday for COVID-19 and will miss the upcoming game. If his high-risk contacts are asymptomatic and continue to test negative, they could return for Sunday's game against the Colts.
The NFL sent a memo Tuesday to teams regarding updated COVID-19 protocols. The league announced in the memo that two teams that played Sunday — the Ravens and Packers — had one player test positive. The players are Humphrey and Green Bay running back A.J. Dillon.
The memo noted that while neither the Ravens nor Packers players wore masks while on the sideline or in the locker room Sunday, Green Bay "was more effective in ensuring physical distancing for its players." According to the memo, the NFL's medical experts have concluded that mask wearing would have "significantly reduced" the number of high-risk close contacts.
The Ravens had already entered the NFL's intensive protocol, holding virtual meetings throughout the week. Coach John Harbaugh said Monday that the team will continue to practice, starting Wednesday; players and coaches will be required to wear masks or face shields. The team facility is closed Tuesday because of Election Day.
The aftermath of the Ravens' first positive COVID-19 test this season could affect more than their depth entering Sunday's critical game in Indianapolis. It could also result in a fine for players and the organization if they were found to be noncompliant in upholding the league's health protocols.
On Oct. 25, the NFL fined the Tennessee Titans $350,000 for COVID-19 violations that forced the league to reschedule multiple games, including the Ravens' first game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Earlier, 10 Oakland Raiders players were fined a combined $165,000 after they were photographed without masks during a charity event last month.
