Steelers add Big Ben, 3 others to COVID list
The Steelers’ pursuit of a perfect season has a new opponent in COVID-19.
A day after the NFL’s last unbeaten team put tight end Vance McDonald on the COVID-19 list in the wake of a positive test, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and three other teammates — inside linebacker Vince Williams, running back Jaylen Samuels and offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins — joined it Tuesday, making their availability for the game Sunday against the Bengals uncertain.
The COVID-19 list is for players who have tested positive or have been in close contact with someone who has. All players who have been in close contact must quarantine for five days and are unable to visit the team’s practice facility. They must pass COVID-19 tests throughout the week to have an opportunity to play.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said it’s possible Roethlisberger and Williams could rejoin the team for its walkthrough practice Saturday and play Sunday if they are cleared in time.
‘‘They will simply work remotely and sharpen their swords [virtually],’’ Tomlin said. ‘‘Really, it will probably give their bodies an opportunity to get some much-needed rest, and we’re optimistic those guys will be their normal selves if given an opportunity to play this weekend.’’
† The Packers activated rookie quarterback Jordan Love from the COVID-19 list. He went on the list Friday, the day after the Packers’ 34-17 victory against the 49ers.
Beckham has surgery on torn ACL
Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr. had surgery to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee that ended his season after seven games.
The Browns said Beckham, who suffered the injury Oct. 25 against the Bengals, is ‘‘expected to be ready for the 2021 season.’’ Recovery from a torn ACL typically takes at least nine months, meaning Beckham could be back in time for training camp.
Beckham finished the season with 23 catches for 319 yards and three touchdowns. He also scored on a 50-yard run. He has missed 25 games in the last four seasons because of injuries.
Cowboys CB Diggs has broken foot
Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs will
miss several weeks with a broken foot suffered late in the game Sunday against the Steelers.
The Cowboys announced Diggs’ injury on their website, and owner Jerry Jones said Diggs continued to play after suffering the injury.
Ravens sign free-agent CB Williams
The Ravens added depth to their defensive backfield by signing free-agent cornerback Tramon Williams, who hasn’t played since last season.
Williams, 37, played in all 16 games with the Packers last season. He has 13 seasons of NFL experience, most of them with the Packers.
Jaguars move to sixth kicker of season
The Jaguars signed former Illini kicker Chase McLaughlin off the Vikings’ practice squad and said they expect him to play Sunday against the Packers.
McLaughlin will be the team’s sixth kicker this season, following Josh Lambo, Brandon Wright, Aldrick Rosas, Stephen Hauschka and Jon Brown.