Steelers fume after game against Ravens postponed
Seven Baltimore players on COVID list
Most people would be thrilled to suddenly find out they were getting a national holiday off when they were originally scheduled to work.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were as bitter as a bad Butterball.
Judging by their reaction on social media, they believed it was some sort of conspiracy that their U. S. Thanksgiving night marquee matchup with Baltimore was postponed on Wednesday when the list of Ravens to hit the reserve/ COVID-19 list grew to seven players, along with members of the team’s coaching staff and support staff.
Most recent Ravens to either test positive or be identified as a “close contact” were Matt Skura and Pat Mekari, their first- and second-team centres, as well as All- Pro defensive tackle Calais Campbell.
“The decision was made out of an abundance of caution to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches and game day personnel and in consultation with medical experts,” read the NFL’S statement.
Pending the results of more testing, the game will be played Sunday at 1: 15 as part of NBC’S coverage.
Meanwhile, the traditional American Thanksgiving triple header has turned into a doubleheader, and as delicious as the main course featuring the undefeated Steelers and their hated rivals looked, the two appetizers are much less appealing.
The Houston Texans ( 37) visit the Detroit Lions ( 4- 6) at 12: 30, followed by a pillow fight for first place in the NFC East featuring Washington ( 3-7) at Dallas (3-7).
“What a joke,” tweeted Chase Claypool, the Steelers sensational rookie receiver, about the decision to postpone.
“I’m not gonna lie NFL, this is ( B. S.),” tweeted tight end Eric Ebron.
And on and on it went. Why were the Steelers so ticked?
For one reason, they were genuinely looking forward to flex their muscle on prime time, against a reeling divisional foe.
It’s also the second time this season Pittsburgh’s schedule has had to be adjusted because of its opponent’s COVID situation.
Their bye week was moved to Week 4 ( when they really didn’t need a breather after three games) because when the Tennessee Titans had an outbreak. The game was rescheduled for Week 7, which was originally the Steelers bye.
Also, according to one report, Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin promised his players they could have six days off following Thursday’s night game.
Now, while they’ll have Thursday off, they’ll be back at practice Friday, and then after Sunday’s game be back in their usual routine heading into Week 13’ s game against Washington.
Of course, things could get messed up further if the Steelers- Ravens game can’t be played Sunday.
The league and the Ravens expect to know if the outbreak is contained on Friday.
“First the NFL takes away our bye week because another team can’t get their COVID situation together, now they take away our Thanksgiving prime time game for the same reason. Smh ( shaking my head),” tweeted receiver Juju Smith-schuster.
It is interesting that in the hours leading up to the Thursday that kicked off Week 9, the 49ers had to put four key players on the reserve/ COVID-19 list, yet the league didn’t postpone that game.
At the same time, the NFL has to hate taking Pittsburgh- Baltimore off the slate on a night when families will be gathered together in celebration of a holiday.
Are the Ravens to blame for being victimized by COVID?
Who knows for sure. Maybe they weren’t following protocols as strictly as they should, and maybe they took every precaution but picked up the virus through family members.
❚ READY, SET, HUT: Veteran Mike Glennon will be the quarterback for the Jaguars in their game against the Browns on Sunday, making his first start since 2017 and prompting this observation from Mark Long of The Associated Press: “Here’s the craziest part: Mike Glennon got benched in 2017 for Chicago’s Mitchell Trubisky, who got benched this year for Nick Foles, who got benched last year for Gardner Minshew, who got replaced by ( Jake) Luton, who is now benched in favour of Glennon.”