Steelers place 4 players, including Ben Roethlisberger, on COVID-19 list as precaution

The Pittsburgh Steelers had their first player test positive for the coronavirus on Monday when Vance McDonald tested positive after the team’s trip back from Dallas. This started a wave of precaution set forth by NFL protocols, including putting those who were deemed as close contact, or high risk, on the Reserve/COVID-19 List.

The Steelers announced Tuesday those players would be:

QB Ben Roethlisberger
OL Jerald Hawkins
RB Jaylen Samuels
ILB Vince Williams

It should be noted these players did not test positive, but are being told to quarantine at home until they can have three consecutive negative tests before returning to their respective teams.

This means the team will be without the aforementioned players in practice until they have gotten through the appropriate protocols set forth by the National Football League.

The Steelers are looking at a very similar timeline as the Baltimore Ravens experienced last week after Marlon Humphrey tested positive for COVID-19 following their Week 8 matchup with the Steelers. The Ravens placed several players on the Reserve/COVID-19 List who were deemed close contacts. Those players could not attend in-person preparation throughout the week but were eligible to come off the list on Saturday and play in Week 9. For those close contacts of the Steelers, they will be looking at the same procedure assuming they do not return a positive test.

UPDATE: Ben Roethlisberger has tested negative for Covid per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He will need to continue to do so for 5 days before rejoining the team.

Stay tuned to BTSC for continued coverage as the Steelers prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday at Heinz Field.