The Baltimore Ravens’ COVID-19 outbreak continues to run through the organization, but the NFL doesn’t think the outbreak is running wild anymore. According to CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Confora, the NFL has stated they believe any further positive tests from the organization would stem from community spread, not from the original outbreak.
NFL says any further positive tests among Ravens would almost certainly be from outside event in the community unrelated to original outbreak there. All at risk close contacts have tested as expected and team is at the tail of its transmission of Covid
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) November 29, 2020
According to La Confora, all at-risk close contacts have tested as expected and the league sees the end of the transmission from the original source, a strength and conditioning coach who was positive and failed to wear a tracking device, failed to wear a mask and failed to report symptoms.
If this report is true, and the Ravens’ outbreak is coming to a close, the NFL seems determined to have the Week 12 game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on an scheduled. The next logical question is will the Ravens have enough players to field a team?
Jamison Hensley of ESPN shows all 22 names of players who have tested positive since this started almost a week ago.
Ravens’ COVID-19 list:
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) November 29, 2020
QB: Jackson, McSorley
RB: Ingram, Dobbins
FB: Ricard
TE: Andrews
OL: Skura, Mekari, Fluker, Holden
DL: Campbell, Williams, Madubuike, Ward, Washington
OLB: Judon, McPhee, Ferguson
CB: Marshall (IR), Dorsey (IR), Young (IR)
ST: Cox
Thanks to co-editor Dave Schofield who looked up the following information, once the Ravens move Mark Andrews and Matthew Judon, the two latest additions to the reserve list, Baltimore will have 35 players on their active roster and 15 on the practice squad.
Do the simple math and you see 50 available players, which is more than the 44 required by the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Any number less than 44 would have to be signed off on by the NFLPA.
The NFL could move the game and show sympathy for the Ravens’ situation, but the fact the league is making the Denver Broncos start a practice squad wide receiver at quarterback vs. the New Orleans Saints in Week 12 after their quarterback room was deemed high risk contacts after not following protocols, makes you wonder if they won’t just tell John Harbaugh and company to play ball.
All of this hinges on the Ravens’ outbreak to be done, and we will know this in the next few hours before Baltimore is scheduled to travel to Pittsburgh. Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the upcoming game at Heinz Field Tuesday night.