The Pittsburgh Steelers announced around 9:55 a.m. that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list and is “on track to play against the Bengals,” they tell ESPN.
Roethlisberger spent the past week on the list after coming into contact with tight end Vance McDonald, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, and was deemed “high risk” to be around his teammates.
It is rumored that today’s practice could be extended to provide Ben the opportunity to get familiar with this week’s gameplan.
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OUR ORIGINAL REPORT FROM THIS MORNING:
It’s been a week full of unanswered questions for the Pittsburgh Steelers, as fans wondered who could potentially miss Sunday’s game against Cincinnati after tight end Vance McDonald tested positive for COVID-19 last week. McDonald traveled to Dallas with the team despite showing symptoms before leaving, and is rumored to come into contact with multiple teammates, including Ben Roethlisberger.
While head coach Mike Tomlin has many questions of his own, he’s confident in the league’s contact tracing protocol to get the job done.
INJURY REPORT:
As of yesterday’s injury report, running back Anthony McFarland and offensive lineman Kevin Dotson were inactive in practice due to an illness. Both were kept away in an abundance of caution, according to Tomlin.
Cornerback Mike Hilton and defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs are questionable for Sunday’s game, and nose tackle Tyson Alualu is slated to return after a knee injury.
Status of Ben Roethlisberger:
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missed team practice this week after coming into close contact with McDonald, however he yielded a negative COVID-19 test for the fifth straight day on Friday, and could join the team on Saturday.
Should Ben rejoin the team, Saturday’s practice is rumored to be extended to ensure he has enough time to get comfortable with the playbook.
If Ben is unable to play, Mason Rudolph is rumored to start under center.
Kick-off is slated for 4:25 p.m. on Sunday. Pregame action begins at 2:25 p.m. on WDAD AM1450 and 100.3 FM.
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