Report: No new COVID-19 positives for Ravens, but 7 land on COVID-19 list after contact with CB Marlon Humphrey
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday after playing against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it appears no new cases have emerged on either side.
A sizable chunk of the Ravens’ defense still landed on the league’s reserve/COVID-19 list.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday the Ravens had no new positives from COVID-19 tests administered Monday. Humphrey announced he was positive on Monday, and the Ravens soon confirmed the All-Pro cornerback was self-quarantining and the team was entering the NFL’s intensive protocol.
The #Ravens also had no new positives from Monday’s COVID-19 testing, per sources.
Determinations still being made on close contacts to CB Marlon Humphrey, who tested positive Sunday and won't play this week against the #Colts.— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 3, 2020
Not only did Humphrey play 100 percent of defensive snaps on Sunday while apparently positive for COVID-19 (the test was administered before the Steelers game, per Pelissero), he also participated in practice the prior week with reported cold symptoms.
Marlon Humphrey, who says on Twitter that he tested positive for COVID-19, missed a practice last Wed and was sent home from team facility because he was dealing with cold symptoms. Returned and practiced Thurs and Fri. and played Sunday.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) November 2, 2020
Humphrey being the only positive case on the team is good news for the Ravens, and further evidence that on-field COVID-19 transmission isn’t as big a threat as off-field activities. The team will still be dealing with a lot as it prepares for its game against the Colts, including a defense that will be depleted during practice.
7 Ravens land on reserve/COVID-19 list alongside Humphrey
While Humphrey was the only reported positive, the Ravens apparently found that seven other players had been in close contact with Humphrey while he was infected. Those players will be placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list and will not be allowed to practice or play until they pass five days of testing, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
The group includes the majority of the team’s linebacker corps:
Here are Ravens' 7 close contacts identified after Marlon Humphrey tested positive:
LB Matthew Judon
LB Patrick Queen
S DeShon Elliott
LB L.J. Fort
LB Malik Harrison
CB Terrell Bonds
LB Tyus Bowser
They can't practice this week but can play Sunday if they pass 5 days of testing— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) November 3, 2020
Matthew Judon, Patrick Queen, DeShon Elliott and L.J. Fort are all starters on the Ravens’ defense. Malik Harrison and Tyus Bowser both also see plenty of playing time, so this represents a significant group of players for the Ravens. Right now, the team has just one inside linebacker, special-teamer Chris Board, active on their roster.
The team can only hope all seven players keep testing negative going forward.
Not a great few days for Ravens
It’s safe to say the Ravens have had better weekends. Losing to their biggest rival in a close game that could decide the AFC North was tough enough, but then the team got the news that Humphrey tested positive and another All-Pro player is out for the season.
Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley, one of the best pass-blockers in the NFL, sustained a season-ending ankle injury after Steelers defensive end T.J. Watt accidentally crashed into his legs at the end of a play. Stanley had just signed a five-year, $112 million extension that made him the highest-paid offensive lineman of all time.
Rookie Tyre Phillips, the team’s starting right guard, was placed on injured reserve as well on Tuesday, alongside Stanley.
Now, the Ravens will have to prepare for the 5-2 Colts while not being allowed to meet in person and practicing under strict protocols.
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