RAVENS: TEAM HAD 4 COVID STRAINS

The Baltimore Ravens said Saturday that at least four unique strains of the coronavirus were identified during the team’s outbreak and that “not everyone” in the organization “followed the protocol thoroughly.”

The Ravens’ acknowledgment of protocol violations could be a precursor to the NFL imposing disciplinary measures. The team’s outbreak led to postponements of their games against the Steelers and Cowboys, plus a delay of the Steelers’ game against the Washington Football Team. The NFL declined to comment Saturday. A person familiar with the situation previously said the NFL had not ruled out disciplinary action.

“Despite our best efforts, the protocol is only as effective as our weakest link,” Ravens President Dick Cass said in a statement released by the team.

“With a dangerous virus like this, everyone must comply with the protocol to avoid infecting many. We now know that not everyone at the Ravens followed the protocol thoroughly.”

The Ravens previously announced they were disciplining a team employee for actions related to the coronavirus cases.

The NFL uses genomic sequencing to identify strains of the virus when a team has multiple cases. In Saturday’s statement, Cass said the league identified “at least four unique strains of COVID-19 in our facility” during the outbreak.

Notable

The Titans suspended top draft pick Isaiah Wilson for today’s game for violating club rules after already declaring the rookie out against the Browns.

The Seahawks placed

Bryan Mone on the Reserve/ COVID-19 list, making the injured defensive tackle the first Seattle player to land on the list during the regular season. Seattle also placed cornerback Tre Flowers on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury.

Packers center Corey Linsley has gone on injured reserve after hurting his knee during a victory over the Bears last weekend.

Dolphins running back

Myles Gaskin was activated off injured reserve after missing four games because of a knee injury.