Five Pittsburgh Steelers will remain away from the team for the rest of the week because of exposure to covid-19. They include tight end Vance McDonald, who has tested positive for coronavirus and will miss Sunday’s game against the Bengals. The others are Ben Roethlisberger, linebacker Vince Williams, running back Jaylen Samuels, and tackle Jerald Hawkins.
All of them must remain away from the team for five days and test negative each day if they are to come back and play on Sunday.
Samuels and Hawkins are backups, but the team will have to play without starters Roethlisberger and Williams if they test positive.
At his news conference yesterday, coach Mike Tomlin said the rest might actually be good for the veterans, Big Ben and Williams. Still, he has to prepare as if they will not be playing, so there could be changes this week at two key positions.
Tomlin says the backup quarterbacks, Mason Rudolph and Josh Dobbs, will get a lot of work this week.
To replace Williams, the Steelers will rely on newly-acquired linebacker Avery Williamson, who will take part in his first practice with the team today.
Tomlin said Roethlisberger had some bumps and bruises after the Dallas game, but his knees are fine and he can play if available on Sunday. He also said the team could get back injured nose tackle Tyson Alualu, cornerback Mike Hilton, and fullback Derek Watt this week. The coach said backup nose tackle Henry Mondeaux could be an option as a blocking fullback in a short-yardage situation.
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