RAVENS STRUGGLE WITH VIRUS AS STEELERS GAME APPROACHES

With a Thanksgiving night battle against the Steelers coming up, the Baltimore Ravens yesterday placed running backs Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins on the reserve/covid-19 list.  Multiple reports say they are two of several members of the team that have tested positive for the virus.  They will miss Thursday’s game, as will nose tackle Brandon Williams.  The Ravens have shut down their team facilities, but as of now, the game is still on the schedule.

Before the Ravens announcement, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said at his weekly news conference that Dobbins, the rookie first-round draft choice out of Ohio State, was going to be a focus for his defense.  Dobbins ran for 113 yards the first time the Steelers and Ravens played, on November 1^st.  Gus Edwards will start at running back for Baltimore, and he has run well against the Steelers in the past.

Tomlin did not have much to say about injuries and illness among the Steelers.  He said tight end Vance McDonald, who has missed two games with the virus, should be back on the field Thursday night.  Players injured in the game Sunday against Jacksonville were still being evaluated yesterday, including tight end Zach Gentry, whose knee injury appears to be serious.

After new restrictions announced yesterday by the state Department of Health, the Steelers say they will be allowed to have no more than 2,500 people at Heinz Field, including fans, employees, and staff for their two December games.  They play Washington on December 6^th and Indianapolis on December 27^th.  Only family and friends of players and the organization will be permitted in the stadium.

The NFL sent a memo to teams Monday outlining more coronavirus rules changes.  Starting this week, any players not substituting or entering the field of play will now be required to wear a mask at all times.  Post-game interactions will be further limited and play-callers using face shields are also now required to wear a mask in addition to the shield.

NBC says Al Michaels will have the week off and be replaced by Mike Tirico for the Steelers/Ravens game Thursday night and for Packers/Bears on Sunday.  Tirico did Monday Night Football for 10 years at ESPN and is in line to take over when Michaels retires.  Michaels turned 76 this month.