Baltimore backs test positive for COVID-19

The Baltimore Ravens experienced another outbreak of COVID-19 on Nov. 23, providing an additional burden for a team that’s trending downward following a 5-1 start.

Coach John Harbaugh said running backs Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins have tested positive for COVID-19, and injured defensive tackle Brandon Williams will be placed in quarantine for five days.

All three were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

With Ingram and Dobbins out for the Nov. 26 game at Pittsburgh, seldom-used Justice Hill will join Gus Edwards in the Baltimore backfield. Dobbins ran for 70 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries and Ingram gained 2 yards on two attempts Nov. 22 in a 30-24 overtime loss to Tennessee.

The Ravens reopened their training facility in the afternoon Nov. 23 after being closed earlier in the day. This is the second time the Ravens have been impacted by the coronavirus, though Harbaugh insisted that the players and the staff followed protocol before and during the game against the Titans.

BURROW OUT UNTIL 2021

» Bengals Coach Zac Taylor said rookie quarterback Joe Burrow will have surgery and should be ready for 2021 season. Burrow was placed on injured reserve Nov. 23. The Heisman Trophy winner and top draft pick suffered a knee injury when his left leg was bent in an unnatural angle in a game against Washington.

College football

SEMINOLES COACH DEFlorida

FENDS DECISION »

State coach Mike Norvell is standing by the decision to postpone the Seminoles game against No. 4 Clemson after the Tigers reported a positive player test following their arrival on campus, adding that even though he and his team wanted to play there were safety concerns.

Clemson offered Florida State an additional round of testing and delaying the start until later Nov. 21, or Nov. 22 or 23.

Tigers coach Dabo Swinney was angered by the decision, saying Florida State administrators were using COVID-19 as “an excuse” not to play.

Norvell, who had COVID-19 and missed a game earlier this season, said the decision was entirely based on the coronavirus and the safety of his team.

“Football coaches are not doctors, some of us might think that we are,” Norvell said. “There’s a reason why those (medical) advisors are able to make those decisions from the information provided.”

NBA

POPE MEETS WITH PLAYERS » Pope Francis met with NBA players at the Vatican, lauding them as “champions” and saying he supported their work on social justice. The five players — Marco Belinelli, Sterling Brown, Jonathan Isaac, Kyle Korver and Anthony Tolliver — were joined in the delegation by NBA players’ union executive director Michele Roberts and two other union executives, Sherrie Deans and Matteo Zuretti.

COUSINS, ROCKETS RE

PORTEDLY HAVE DEAL » ESPN reported DeMarcus Cousins and the Rockets have agreed on a one-year contract.