Steelers’ Roethlisberger, three teammates go on COVID-19 list
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers’ pursuit of a perfect season has a new opponent in COVID-19.
A day after NFL’S last unbeaten team placed tight end Vance Mcdonald on the COVID-19 list following 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, making their availability for Sunday’s game against Cincinnati (2-5-1) uncertain.
The reserve/covid-19 list is either 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, but can participate virtually. They must pass COVID-19 tests throughout the week to have an opportunity to play.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday it’s possible Roethlisberger and Williams could rejoin the team for its walkthrough practice on Saturday. He pointed to Roethlisberger’s experience as a 17-year veteran as one of the reasons he would have no issue playing Roethlisberger if he’s cleared.
The players who are able to practice will work within the constraints of the league’s “intensive” protocols. That includes holding all pre and post-practice meetings remotely as well as requiring
players to use the weight room and other services in a rotation to limit the number of people in one room at one time.
Cowboys rookie CB Diggs out several weeks with broken foot
FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs will miss several weeks with a broken foot, a blow for a defense that was playing better in part because of the rookie’s contributions.
Diggs was injured in the second half of Sunday’s 24-19 loss to Pittsburgh. The Cowboys announced Diggs’ injury on their website Tuesday. Dallas owner Jerry Jones said Diggs played with the injury suffered late in the game against the Steelers.
The second-round pick out of Alabama had the first two interceptions of his career two weeks ago in a 23-9 loss to
Philadelphia. The last-place Cowboys had just one interception on the season before Diggs’ pair.
Dallas has the worst turnover margin in the NFL at minus-13, after two more turnovers without forcing one against the Steelers. The Cowboys gave up more points than in any five-game stretch to start the season in franchise history but have improved in recent weeks.
The loss of Diggs comes as the Cowboys are hopeful that cornerback Chidobe Awuzie will return after missing seven games with a groin injury. Dallas is off this week before visiting Minnesota on Nov. 22.
The Cowboys (2-7) and New York Giants are tied for last in the NFC East, but division leader Philadelphia (3-4-1) has a losing record as well.
Bills fans support grieving QB Allen with charitable donations
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Bills fans have rallied to support quarterback Josh Allen following his grandmother’s death by donating more than $200,000 to a Buffalo children’s hospital in her honor.
The Oishei Children’s Hospital announced the latest total on its Twitter account Tuesday, two days after coach Sean Mcdermott revealed the news of Patricia Allen’s death following Buffalo’s 44-34 win over Seattle. The donations come as the hospital celebrates its third anniversary at its downtown home.
Anumber of the donations have come in at $17 each in honor of the quarterback’s jersey number.
— Wire services