Roethlisberger to start after coming off COVID-19 list
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will start against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night after being removed from the COVID19 list.
The team made the move on Saturday, a week after Roethlisberger went onto the list after testing positive for the coronavirus. The team said Roethlisberger passed the NFL’S COVID-19 protocols and will travel separately to Los Angeles later Saturday afternoon.
Roethlisberger sat out last week’s 16-16 tie with Detroit after being symptomatic for the coronavirus and then testing positive. He participated virtually with the Steelers (5-3-1) during the week and was in frequent contact with offensive coordinator Matt Canada and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan.
This is the second time Roethlisberger will start after being placed in the NFL’S COVID-19 protocol. He went into the protocol last November after being labeled a close contact. He didn’t practice during the week but played during a 36-10 win over Cincinnati, throwing for 333 yards and four touchdowns.
Chiefs activate Edwards-helaire off injured reserve
The Kansas City Chiefs activated running back Clyde Edwards-helaire from injured reserve, giving him a good chance of playing for the first time since Week 5 when Kansas City plays the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
The move Saturday was widely expected after Edwards-helaire spent most of the past two weeks practicing. He hurt his ankle against the Bills and was designated to return last week against the Raiders but sat out another game.
“He had a good week of practice,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Friday.
Darrel Williams has been the primary running back with Edwards-helaire on the shelf. But despite catching nine passes for 109 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders, Williams has just 343 yards rushing on 95 attempts; Edwards-helaire has 304 yards on 65 attempts to remain second on the team in rushing.
Williams is likely to return to his role as Edwards-helaire’s backup, particularly on third downs.
Brown out for Ravens, Jackson questionable
The Baltimore Ravens have ruled out receiver Marquise Brown for Sunday’s game at Chicago with a thigh injury.
The Ravens also added Lamar Jackson to their injury report Saturday. The star quarterback is questionable because of an illness.
Jackson missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, but he was a full participant Friday. Coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday the illness wasn’t COVID-19.
Jackson has occasionally missed practice time this season but has played in every game. Brown has been his top target, with 52 catches for 719 yards and six touchdowns.
Baltimore also activated guard Ben Cleveland from injured reserve and put linebacker Pernell Mcphee on IR.
Giants DB Ryan out of Bucs’ game with COVID-19
New York Giants defensive back and leading tackler Logan Ryan will miss Monday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers because of COVID-19.
The Giants (3-6) ruled Ryan out on Saturday along with linebacker Lorenzo Carter (ankle/illness), wide receiver Sterling Shepard (quad) and defensive back Nate Ebner (knee).
Ryan told the team on Thursday he had a close contact with a person who had the virus. He was immediately tested and had a negative result. He was tested again Friday and had a positive result. He has been placed on the reserve/covid-19 list.
Coach Joe Judge wouldn’t say Saturday whether running back Saquon Barkley or left tackle Andrew Thomas would play against the Bucs (6-3). Barkley, who has missed the last four games with a sprained ankle, was listed as questionable after being limited in practice all week.