The Baltimore Ravens briefly closed their facility Monday after new positive COVID-19 tests within the organization.
The team announced early Monday it had started the process of contact tracing after multiple members of the club tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Those individuals self-quarantined, and the team conducted all activities virtually while tracing continued.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported, per sources, that running backs Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins tested positive for COVID-19 and were placed on the reserve list Monday. Ravens coach John Harbaugh confirmed as much, adding that defensive lineman Brandon Williams was also be placed on the list after he was considered a close contact. Williams must quarantine for five days and, like Ingram and Dobbins, will miss Thursday night's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"I think our players did a great job on the sideline with the masks. Great job in the locker room," Harbaugh said Monday afternoon. "They tried to follow the protocols throughout the game and throughout the weekend at the hotel and in the meetings during the week. Our guys have done a good job of that, so I'm appreciative of them for that. That's probably the thing that gives us a chance to play this game on Thursday night is the guys doing a great job here in the building and at the game."
Harbaugh added that the facility reopened Monday afternoon and Baltimore will continue with its virtual meetings.
"We're in Zoom meetings right now, virtual meetings at this point in time, carry on with our schedule throughout the day. We got started with virtual meetings this afternoon, and that's where we're at with that," Harbaugh told reporters. "We're just carrying forward with our normal schedule at this point, working hard and getting ready for a big challenge Thursday night against the undefeated Steelers."
The Ravens have to travel to Pittsburgh for the Thanksgiving night game, and as of now, the contest remains on schedule, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.
Without Dobbins and Ingram available, the Ravens will be left with Gus Edwards and Justice Hill. Rookie Ty'Son Williams is also on the practice squad and could be elevated to fill one of the roster spots left vacant by Ingram's and Dobbins' impending placement on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Edwards has rushed 85 times for 376 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games this season. He carried the ball 133 times for 711 yards and two scores last season, and has a total of 1,805 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in his career, which is currently in its third season.
The Steelers have already had one of their games rescheduled due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Tennessee Titans earlier this season. Tennessee beat Baltimore in overtime on Sunday, and Titans coach Mike Vrabel told reporters his team was following all requirements set forth by the league-wide shift to the intensive protocol, which began Saturday. Vrabel added the organization was waiting to hear back from the NFL on the results of Baltimore's contact tracing before proceeding.
Baltimore (6-4) trails undefeated Pittsburgh (10-0) by four games in the AFC North with six contests left to play.
