Big Ben gets OK to play after testing negative
The Steelers activated quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and three others off the COVID- 19 list Saturday, clearing the way for “Big Ben” to be in uniform when the unbeaten Steelers host the Bengals on Sunday.
Roethlisberger, linebacker Vince Williams, running back Jaylen Samuels and reserve offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins were forced to self- quarantine this week after tight end Vance McDonald tested positive for the coronavirus. All four players repeatedly have tested negative, allowing them to return.
The 38- year- old Roethlisberger joked that while his body enjoyed the downtime, serving as a pre- K teacher for his three children wasn’t quite as fun as playing football. Roethlisberger didn’t miss a meeting thanks to advances in technology but admitted it wasn’t the same as being on the field.
He was able to watch every play of practice while Mason Rudolph and Josh Dobbs took the snaps, but he was unable to talk to offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner and quarterbacks coach Matt Canada in real time. He did his best to play catch- up over text and stayed engaged over Zoom but said there are some elements that can’t be replicated over video.
Bills put CB Norman on COVID list
Bills cornerback Josh Norman tested positive for COVID- 19 and didn’t travel with the team for its game Sunday against the Cardinals. The Bills also ruled out tight end Tyler Kroft, cornerback Levi Wallace and safety Dean Marlowe, who were deemed to have been in close contact with Norman.
The Bills might struggle to adequately fill the cornerback spot opposite Tre’Davious White. Norman was in position to return after missing three games with a left hamstring injury. Wallace started the last two games in his place.
Buccaneers’ travel delayed 7- plus hours
The Buccaneers’ trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, was delayed more than seven hours after mechanical issues forced them to board a new plane, ESPN reported. The team initially was scheduled to depart Tampa International Airport at 1: 25 p. m. CST and arrive in Charlotte at 2: 55 p. m. The Bucs ended up taking off just after 9 p. m. and landed at about 10: 15. Their game kicks off at noon.
Backfield news
The Seahawks won’t have running backs Chris Carson ( foot) and Carlos Hyde ( hamstring) for the third consecutive game when they visit the Rams on Sunday. The team elevated running back Alex Collins from the practice squad.
† The Texans put running back David Johnson ( concussion) on injured reserve.
† The Browns activated running back Nick Chubb ( knee) from injured reserve.