Report: Steelers' COVID issues worsen as Conner, coach test positive
The Pittsburgh Steelers recorded positive COVID-19 tests for one player and one coach with multiple potential close contacts, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Starting running back James Conner is the player testing positive, sources told Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL Network. Special teams coach Danny Smith is the coach, sources told Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The Steelers placed three players - defensive end Stephon Tuitt, defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs, and offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins - on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday. Offensive lineman Kevin Dotson went on the list Nov. 14.
Pittsburgh was slated to face the Baltimore Ravens in Thursday's prime-time game, but the contest was pushed to Tuesday due to Baltimore's coronavirus outbreak.
The Steelers and Ravens woke up this morning with 16 players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list between them. With another Steelers player testing positive, per @AdamSchefter, along with a coach, and multiple contacts, that number is going to keep climbing.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) November 28, 2020
Pittsburgh canceled practice Thursday, Friday, and Saturday after learning the Ravens game was pushed back.
With the Steelers also experiencing COVID-19 issues, it's possible the NFL enacts its reported Week 18 contingency plan and moves the AFC North showdown to the end of the schedule.
Conner was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in December 2015. He declared himself cancer-free in May 2016.