The Baltimore Ravens Institute has seen another major development due to the recent increase in COVID-19 activity.
Star quarterback Lamar Jackson has tested positive for the novel coronavirus and will not play against the Steelers on Sunday, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday, citing sources familiar with the situation.
Rapport added that PVC Robert Griffin III, whose last start was against Pittsburgh last week in successful Week 17, is preparing to replace Jackson.
News of the reign of MVP’s positive test results is a big blow to the club as it tests more players and staff members either positively or as close contacts.
The week began with the news that Mark Ingram and JK Dobbins have been added to the list, along with nose tackle Brandon Williams. In the days that followed, six more players and several staff members were added, including a defensive end Cales Campbell, with Bal Limore’s highly anticipated Thanksgiving clash against the Steers set to be postponed to 1:15 p.m. on Sunday.
NFL Network’s Tom Palesaro reported Thursday that the NFL will continue to monitor growth, but now, the status of the rescheduled Week 12 matchup has not changed. Palisro also noted that QB Trace Mc McSurley was added to the list last week, leaving Griffin and practice-squad rookie Tyler Huntley as the only healthy options under the center.
For offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the challenge of landing undefeated Steelers in the middle of trying months without his star will be even more difficult than originally imagined. Griffin is capable of performing plays in a similar genre but it is not clear that Jacxon’s explosiveness, lethalism and dynamic playmaking capabilities have been replaced.
To date, Baltimore has placed 10 players on the reserve / COVID-19 list: Jackson, Ingram, Dobbins, Williams, Campbell, MS Casorley, outside linebacker Parnell M. Coffee, DE Jihad Ward and offensive lineman Matt Scurry and. The team also announced Wednesday that a staff member had been disciplined for behavior related to the recent COVID-19 cases.
