Oft-postponed Ravens-Steelers game finally on for today, with Robert Griffin III at QB for Baltimore.
Mike Tomlin isn’t into hypotheticals. The long time Pittsburgh Steelers coach prefers to deal with what is happening, not what might happen.
This season, however, has challenged that approach. The unbeaten Steelers (10-0) are scheduled to host some semblance of the Baltimore Ravens (6-4) in a game already pushed back three times, f irst from Thanksgiving to last Sunday, then from last Sunday to Tuesday night, then from Tuesday to today. The game is the first NFL contest scheduled for a Wednesday since the 2012 season opener.
Assuming, of course, that they play. Hardly a given in a year when uncertainty and chaos is just one positive COVID-19 test away.
“It’s day to day,” Tomlin said. “It’s a sensitive situation.“
An ever-changing one, too. The Ravens had more than a dozen players on the reserve/COVID-19 list as of Tuesday afternoon, a group that includes reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. The Steelers have COVID-19 issues of their own, with defensive end Stephon Tuitt and starting running back James Conner among the four players who will not play.
Baltimore activated nose tackle Brandon Williams, quarterback Trace McSorley and injured cornerbacks Tavon Young and Khalil Dorsey from the reserve/ COVID-19 list.
The NFL is making every attempt to keep the league on track to finish a 16-game season in 17 weeks; look for quarterback-less Denver’s loss to New Orleans on Sunday as proof.
“We understand that every team is going through something like this,” Steelers defensive end Cam Heyward said. “Not to this extent, but we have to be ready for any situation. I think (Tomlin) has laid out the plan. It’s up for us to follow it and it’s up for us to bounce back with it.”
With a win, the Steelers would effectively eliminate Baltimore, the defending AFC North champions, from the division race. It would also keep Pittsburgh a game clear of reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City for the top seed in the conference — and the one bye available this season.
Yet the Steelers remain wary. The previous time they saw Ravens backup quarterback Robert Griffin III, scheduled to start in place of Jackson, the 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year guided Baltimore past Pittsburgh in the 2019 regular-season finale. Baltimore also could have its entire stable of running backs available if Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins continue to test negative for COVID-19.
49ers hitting the ‘road’
The San Francisco 49ers are set to embark on an unusual three-week road trip after being kicked out of their stadium and practice facility because of strict new COVID-19 protocols in their home county.
The Niners will f ly to Arizona today where they will practice, live and play their next two games after Santa Clara County imposed a three-week ban on games and practices for contact sports.
The new rules that went into effect Monday and will last until at least Dec. 21 were announced Saturday as the Niners were preparing to f ly to Los Angeles for a game against the Rams. The team scrambled to make new arrangements and settled on Arizona.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said the team looked into the possibility of practicing in the Bay Area outside of Santa Clara County and f lying to Arizona for the games. But they couldn’t find a suitable location close enough to make it worth it and opted to go on the road for three weeks instead.
Notable
The Browns got back their most valuable defensive player and lost another vital one.
Myles Garrett is ready. Ronnie Harrison (shoulder) won’t be for some time.
Cleveland’s defensive star was activated from the COVID-19 list after missing two games with the virus.
Tavon Austin, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2013 draft of the St. Louis Rams, is attempting to make a comeback with Green Bay as the Packers look to add depth to their receiving group. The Packers signed Austin and released wide receiver Darrius Shepherd.
Texans cornerback Bradley Roby has been suspended six games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
The Falcons placed wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus on injured reserve with a toe injury.