Roethlisberger, three teammates go on COVID-19 list

The 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 their Nov. 15 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 Nov. 10 it’s possible Roethlisberger and Williams — who have a combined 25 years of experience between them — could rejoin the team for its walkthrough practice on Nov. 14 and play on Nov. 15 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 muchneeded rest, and we’re optimistic those guys will be their normal selves if given an opportunity to play this weekend.”

The players who are able to practice will work within the constraints of the league’s “intensive” protocols. That includes holding all pre and postpractice 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.

McDonald, however, will not be available. The team was notified of McDonald’s positive test on Nov. 9, hours after the Steelers beat the Cowboys to improve to 8-0 for the first time in franchise history.

McDonald immediately self-quarantined.