Ravens staying quiet on Lamar Jackson’s and others’ potential return from Reserve/COVID-19 list
The Baltimore Ravens fought valiantly against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday afternoon. Down a large chunk of the 53-man roster to the Reserve/COVID-19 list, the Ravens not only made the undefeated Steelers sweat but were nearly in a position to go win the game.
For the praise Baltimore deserves for their effort in that game, they’d probably rather have all their starters back on the field for Week 13 against the Dallas Cowboys. Unfortunately, that’s a decision that’s out of coach John Harbaugh’s hands.
“As far as the COVID-19 guys coming back, they all have their different days when they’re possibly allowed to come back,” Harbaugh said Thursday. “But those are medical decisions in the end, not coaching decisions. So, when the doctors clear them to practice, that’s when we’ll have them.”
Players who test positive for COVID-19 must stay isolated for a minimum of 10 days. Based on our COVID-19 tracker, quite a few players will finish their 10-day quarantine ahead of the Ravens’ Tuesday game against Dallas, including the following:
QB Lamar Jackson
RB Mark Ingram
RB J.K. Dobbins
DE Jihad Ward
OLB Pernell McPhee
C/G Patrick Mekari
C/G Matt Skura
LS Morgan Cox
FB Patrick Ricard
Now, that’s not to say any or all of these players will actually suit up Tuesday against the Cowboys. Some are dealing with nagging injuries and all will likely need at least a few days of practice before Harbaugh is willing to put them out on the field. But the potential exists for nearly all of the Ravens’ starting offense to play, which when paired with even Baltimore’s undermanned defense could be enough to pick up a critical win over Dallas.
Beyond football, it’ll be nice to see those players come off the Reserve/COVID-19 list. While the longevity of the pandemic has made some people feel quite blasé about the potential side effects from COVID-19, the fact is scientists and health officials are still trying to fully understand the coronavirus and its short- and long-term effects. Seeing those players come off the list is a hat tip toward them and their families being better, which is really the most important thing.
