Steelers-Ravens moved out of Thanksgiving night
Tonight’s Thanksgiving prime-time game between the Ravens and Steelers has been switched to Sunday because of coronavirus issues with Baltimore.
The NFL announced the move Wednesday, placing the game at 10:15 a.m. on NBC.
Baltimore placed outside linebacker Pernell McPhee on the reserve/COVID-19, joining running backs Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins and defensive tackle Brandon Williams. The Ravens also have been doing team work virtually.
“We appreciate the NFL for its diligence in working closely with us to ensure the well-being of players, coaches and staff from both the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers organizations,” the Ravens said in a statement.
“Protecting the health and safety of each team, in addition to our communities at large, is of utmost importance. We will continue to follow guidance from the NFL and its medical experts, as we focus on safely resuming preparations for Sunday’s game.”
The game — assuming it is played on Sunday — means the Ravens will trade one short week for another. They are scheduled to play Dallas on Thursday, Dec. 3.
This isn’t the first time the Steelers have been forced to adjust their schedule because of COVID-19 issues with opponents. Their trip to Nashville on Oct. 4 to face the Titans turned into an unexpected bye week when Tennessee was hit with an outbreak.
The tweak forced the Steelers to play 13 straight weeks to end the regular season. They had hoped for at least a mini-break by playing on Thanksgiving — the franchise’s first-ever home game in Pittsburgh on the holiday — and then getting the weekend off before starting
the home stretch.
Instead, they find themselves adjusting on the fly once again.
Coach Mike Tomlin has praised his team’s ability to stay light on its feet in adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic as part of their success. The Steelers were hit with their own COVID-19 scare earlier this month when tight end Vance McDonald tested positive following a victory over Dallas, forcing QB Ben Roethlisberger and a handful of teammates to self-quarantine before facing the Bengals. Roethlisberger ended up playing and throwing four TDs in an easy victory.
Roethlisberger shrugged on Tuesday when asked if it was right for the Steelers to face the Ravens without Baltimore being able to practice as a precaution.
“This is just an unusual year when it comes to everything we have to do, that ev
eryone has to do. We saw it early, obviously, with the Titans game, byes, all these kinds of things,” he said. “What are you going to do? You just have to do what they tell you and go play ball.” COWBOYS STRENGTH COACH MARKUS PAUL DIES >> Cowboys strength and conditioning coach Markus Paul died Wednesday after falling ill at the team facility on Tuesday, the team announced. He was 54. Paul was surrounded by his family when he passed, the team said.
Paul suffered a medical emergency at the Cowboys’ facility early Tuesday and was rushed to the hospital after getting treated by Cowboys medical personnel. The Cowboys canceled practice and player availability.
The Cowboys are scheduled to play today against Washington.
“We extend our love, strength and support to Markus’ family during this
most challenging of times and ask that their privacy be respected moving forward,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said in a statement. “Markus Paul was a leader in the building.”
Paul played for the Chicago Bears (1989-93), playing in 71 games (15 starts), and played one game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. JAGS BENCH ROOKIE QB LU
TON, SWITCH TO VET GLENNON VS. BROWNS >> The Jaguars are going with quarterback Mike Glennon against Cleveland, giving the NFL journeyman his first start in more than three years.
Coach Doug Marrone made the announcement Wednesday, three days after he considered benching rookie Jake Luton during a 27-3 loss to unbeaten Pittsburgh. Luton completed 16 of 37 passes for 151 yards and four interceptions against the Steelers.
Luton replaced Gardner Minshew (thumb) during the team’s bye week and has completed 54.5% of his passes for 624 yards, with two touchdowns and six interceptions.
BROWNS CLOSE FACILITY AF
TER PLAYER TESTS POSITIVE FOR VIRUS >> The Browns closed their facility in Berea, Ohio, for the second time in as many days on Wednesday after a player tested positive for COVID-19.
The Browns said they were informed of the positive test of the player, who wasn’t identified, on Wednesday morning. The team will work remotely for the remainder of the day as contact tracing is underway.
Defensive end Myles Garrett, offensive lineman Chris Hubbard, fullback Andy Janovich and backup defensive end Joe Jackson currently are on the reserve/COVID-19 list.