PITTSBURGH — The Steelers-Ravens game that was set to air on Channel 11 on Thanksgiving has been postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak among the Baltimore players and staff.
According to the NFL, the game will now be played on Sunday at 1:15 p.m. on WPXI Channel 11.
On Thursday, Steelers president Art Rooney II issued a statement about the ongoing situation, saying the team is disappointed it can’t play as scheduled tonight.
Several Steelers players reacted to the news on social media, venting frustrations with how the situation was handled – including JuJu Smith-Schuster.
According to NFL Insider Ian Rappaport, one more player and a few staff members tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday -- but the status for Sunday’s game is unchanged.
Baltimore has had positive tests for four straight days.
The NFL cited safety concerns for postponing the Thanksgiving primetime game.
“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 league said in a statement.
Wednesday evening, the Ravens issued a statement that they disciplined a staff member for “conducted surrounding the recent COVID-19 cases that have affected players and staff.”
According to reports, that employee is a strength and conditioning coach who did not report having symptoms and didn’t consistently wear a mask or tracking device.
The Steelers told Channel 11 that based on the new orders from the state, no fans will be allowed at Heinz Field for the rescheduled game on Sunday. No more than 2,500 people are allowed inside, and that is including players, coaches, stadium and staff. You can read the full statement from the team below:
As of Tuesday, the game was still on despite four players being on the Reserve/COVID List – but that number grew as multiple staff members also tested positive.
Running backs J.K. Dobbins and Mark Ingram were confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus. According to the Ravens, those players immediately began to self-quarantine.
Nose tackle Brandon Williams and outside linebacker Pernell McPhee were later added to the Reserve/COVID List.
This is the second Steelers game this season to be delayed due to a COVID-19 outbreak. The team’s Week 4 game against the Tennessee Titans was moved to Week 7 after four Titans players and five staff members tested positive.
The Steelers won that game 27-24.
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