Steelers’ Big Ben will start vs. Chargers

QB returns after sitting out last week due to positive COVID test

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will start against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night after being removed from the COVID -19 list.

The team made the move on Saturday, a week after Roethlisberger went onto the list after testing positive for the coronavirus. The team said Roethlisberger passed the NFL’s COVID -19 protocols and traveled separately to Los Angeles later Saturday afternoon.

Roethlisberger sat out last week’s 16-16 tie with Detroit after being symptomatic for the coronavirus and then testing positive. He participated virtually with the Steelers (5-3-1) during the week and was in frequent contact with offensive coordinator Matt Canada and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan.

Giants: Defensive back and leading tackler Logan Ryan will miss Monday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers because of COVID-19. The Giants (3-6) ruled Ryan out on Saturday along with linebacker Lorenzo Carter (ankle/illness), wide receiver Sterling Shepard (quad) and defensive back Nate Ebner (knee).

Chargers: Los Angeles linebackers Joey Bosa and Drue Tranquill were activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday. Both are expected to play Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Chiefs: Kansas City activated running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire from injured reserve, giving him a good chance of playing for the first time since Week 5 when Kansas City plays the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

Ravens: Baltimore ruled out receiver Marquise Brown for Sunday’s game at Chicago with a thigh injury. The Ravens also added Lamar Jackson to their injury report. The star quarterback is questionable because of an illness. Jackson missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, but he was a full participant Friday. Coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday the illness wasn’t COVID-19.

Titans: Tennessee put another player on injured reserve, this time linebacker Bud Dupree with an abdominal injury that sent him to the locker room early in last week’s game.

Obituary: Former Raiders fullback Steve Smith has died after a long battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was 57. The Raiders announced Smith’s death Saturday, calling him an inspiration for “smiling every day while always working for a cure for” amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.