Ravens coach John Harbaugh: WR Dez Bryant has tested negative for COVID-19 since Tuesday, ‘on schedule’ for return

BALTIMORE — Ravens coach John Harbaugh said wide receiver Dez Bryant has tested negative for COVID-19 since he was ruled out of Tuesday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, confirming Bryant’s tweets in recent days.

“He has had some negative tests,” Harbaugh said Saturday on a video conference call. “There’s a protocol that goes with that, a certain number days that you have to test negative after a certain number of positive tests. He’s on schedule with that and that’s where it stands right now. He’s still on the COVID-19 reserve list at this time.”

After two inconclusive tests from Tuesday morning, Bryant was administered a point-of-care (PCR) test at M&T Bank Stadium in the evening, which produced a positive result. Bryant was ruled out of the game with an illness and sent home to quarantine. The Ravens placed Bryant on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday.

Bryant tweeted on Thursday that he tested negative for the coronavirus “back to back.” On Friday, he wrote, “I tested negative again.”

The typical self-quarantine period for a player who tests positive for COVID-19 is 10 days, meaning Bryant would likely miss Monday night’s game against the Browns. However, under NFL protocols, a player can return earlier if he is not showing symptoms and returns two consecutive negative PCR virus tests at least 24 hours apart within a five-day period.

Harbaugh said Wednesday that Bryant, who has four catches for 28 yards in three games, remains an option for the offense whenever he returns.