Steelers’ Roethlisberger, others removed from COVID-19 list

PITTSBURGH » Ben Roethlisberger’s unexpected week off won’t stop him from starting against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Pittsburgh Steelers activated their longtime quarterback and three other teammates off the COVID-19 list on Saturday, clearing the way for Roethlisberger to be in uniform when the Steelers (8-0) host Cincinnati (2-5-1).

Roethlisberger, linebacker Vince Williams, running back Jaylen Samuels and reserve offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins were forced to self-quarantine this week after teammate Vance McDonald tested positive for the coronavirus. All four players have repeatedly tested negative, clearing the way for them to play.

Roethlisberger, 38, 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.

“It’s definitely different than in years past because typically when I haven’t practiced, I’ve been on the field behind the quarterbacks,” he said.

Browns activate RB Chubb

CLEVELAND » The Browns can hand off the ball to Nick Chubb again. Cleveland activated the star running back from injured reserve, clearing the way for him to play

Sunday against Houston after missing four games with a sprained right knee.

Chubb practiced this week for the first time since hurting his knee early in an Oct. 4 win over Dallas. The Browns (5-3) were leading the NFL in rushing when Chubb got hurt.

Bills’ Norman ruled out

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. » Buffalo cornerback Josh Norman has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be one of four players and one assistant coach not traveling with the team for its game at Arizona on Sunday.

The AFC East-leading Bills said the NFL had told them about Norman’s positive test.

The team also ruled out tight end Tyler Kroft, cornerback Levi Wallace and safety

Dean Marlowe by placing them on the reserve-COVID-19 list. The three were deemed to have been in close contact with Norman.

Defensive assistant coach Leonard Johnson also will not travel with the team.

Packers activate Kirksey

GREENBAY,WIS.» The Green Bay Packers activated linebacker Christian Kirksey from injured reserve Saturday and placed tight end/ fullback John Lovett on IR.

Kirksey missed Green Bay’s last five games with a pectoral injury that he suffered during a 37-30 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 27. He ranks fifth on the team with 27 tackles despite having played in less than half of the Packers’ eight games.