[ad_1]
If you’ve been struggling to keep up with the latest news regarding the Baltimore Ravens-Pittsburgh Steelers game, you’re not alone. The league has moved the game a number of times, often with players discovering insiders on Twitter and being confused. The whole situation stems from positive COVID-19 tests in Baltimore, which have raised security questions on all fronts. Baltimore has tested positive for players and / or staff for nearly 10 consecutive days, with more than 20 players and staff around organizations either contracting the virus or were considered close contact.
The good news is that after three postponements as the NFL waited for a day when the Ravens ultimately failed to deliver a positive test result, that day arrived on Wednesday – hours before the scheduled kickoff – allowing the league to give the green light to the long awaited week 12 shock.
The Ravens continued to test positive as recently as Tuesday, the same day the players boarded the plane for Pittsburgh. According to the NFL network Mike Garofolo, the Ravens learned of two other COVID-19 positives – a player and a staff member – just before heading to eastern Pennsylvania, reporting: “The NFL told the team that these individuals had already been identified as potential positives and that there was no further. “And with that, the odds increased the game would take place but, again, not if the Ravens discovered a single positive on Wednesday.
Fortunately for everyone involved, they didn’t.
There were rumors that the Ravens could boycott the game, questions about whether a forfeit would be in play, and comparisons to how the league has handled other match situations affected by COVID-19, most recently the Denver Broncos, who played without a quarterback against New Orleans. Saints. It’s been a mad rush for the Ravens and Steelers to get to this point – the latter having now ruled out the Pro Bowl center eight times. Maurkice Pouncey at the last minute due to COVID-19 protocol – but if you are worried that you may have missed some news of this constantly evolving game, then don’t worry.
We’ve got you covered with all your questions answered.
How to watch the Ravens at Steelers
Dated: Wednesday December 2 | Time: 3:40 p.m. ET
Location: Heinz Field (Pittsburgh)
TV: NBC | Current: fuboTV (try for free)
To follow: CBS Sports app
When was the match first scheduled?
The game was originally scheduled for Thanksgiving night. It was then moved to Sunday, then Tuesday, and finally our current landing point on Wednesday.
The game will play at 3:40 p.m. ET because NBC had previously committed to showing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and wanted to keep that commitment.
It’s Wednesday afternoon football.
Why was the game moved a third time?
NFL.com explained that the league moved the game from Tuesday to Wednesday for another day of COVID-19 testing. It was also moved again “to give Ravens players time to practice and avoid muscle strain, not because of who would or would not be available.”
Ravens players feared they might not have had two days of negative tests after the outbreak. Baltimore also wanted another day of practice, since the facilities had been closed.
The Baltimore facility reopened Monday evening and the team took a virtual tour at that time.
With the game moved to Wednesday, running backs Mark Ingram and JK Dobbins are available for the Ravens as this now clears the 10-day isolation period for both of them, although as noted above the league has stated that moving the game is a matter of safety and not of player availability.
Who’s out for the Ravens?
Ravens players who won’t be able to play in Wednesday’s game due to COVID-19 include quarterback Lamar Jackson, tight end Mark Andrews, wide receiver Willie Snead, fullback Patrick Ricard, centers Patrick Mekari and Matt Skura, outside linebackers Matt Judon and Pernell McPhee, and defensive linemen Calais Campbell and Justin Madubuike. Defensive tackle Brandon Williams has an ankle injury. Offensive lineman DJ Fluker, who was previously on the team’s reserve / COVID-19 roster, is questionable with a back injury. Also in question are cornerback Jimmy Smith (ankle), guard Tire Phillips (ankle), defensive end Derek Wolfe (illness) and tight end Luke Wilson (illness).
And in the final twist, the Ravens won’t activate Mark Ingram or JK Dobbins, who didn’t travel with the team to Pittsburgh while not on the COVID list.
Who’s out for the Steelers?
Not only will they miss Pouncey’s dominance in the center, but the Steelers who will miss Wednesday’s game due to COVID-19 are running back James Conner, defensive end Stephon Tuitt and offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins. The Steelers will also be without running back Jaylen Samuels, who will miss his second straight game with a quad injury. Cornerback Joe Haden is considered questionable with a knee injury.
How will each team be affected?
The divisional game could have big playoff implications as the Ravens try to keep their playoff hopes alive. At 6-4, they could return to the playoff table with a win on Wednesday.
The Steelers are looking to keep control of the No.1 seed and an undefeated record, as they currently sit at 10-0, their best start in franchise history. The Chiefs and Steelers are currently neck and neck for place, with Kansas City at 10-1.
The Ravens’ lack of practice will likely result in a lack of production. With many players and employees testing positive, it also means they could be thin in a lot of areas.
With Jackson out, this will present a huge hurdle for the Ravens, as William Hill Sportsbook has them as 10-point underdogs. Robert Griffin III will be at QB for Baltimore.
Since the Ravens’ Week 11 game, 21 Ravens players have been placed on the reserve / COVID-19 roster, with 19 still on the roster.
What does this mean for the rest of the season?
As this game moved, others moved with it.
The Steelers will host the Washington football team on Monday, December 7 at 5 p.m. ET, rather than Sunday.
The Ravens host the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 8:05 p.m. ET, rather than Thursday night.
What are the fantastic implications?
This is still considered a week 12 game, so keep up with your fantasy squad accordingly.
Jackson, Willie Snead and Mark Andrews are three of the 12 players the Ravens will miss. James Conner and Maurkice Pouncey came out for the Steelers, as did talented passer Stephon Truitt.
And now, finally, the two sides meet for week 12.
[ad_2]
Source link