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Roethlisberger won't face Lions after landing on COVID-19 list

Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Pittsburgh Steelers are placing Ben Roethlisberger on the COVID-19 reserve, and the quarterback won't play against the winless Detroit Lions on Sunday, Steelers director of communications Burt Lauten announced Saturday.

Pittsburgh will likely turn to Mason Rudolph to start versus Detroit, with Dwayne Haskins serving as the backup.

Roethlisberger recently said he's vaccinated against COVID-19, meaning he can return to the team facility after receiving two consecutive negative tests taken at least 24 hours apart. The Steelers face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football in Week 11.

The 39-year-old has completed 65.6% of his passes while tossing 10 touchdowns against four interceptions through eight appearances in 2021.

Rudolph has yet to attempt a pass this year. The fourth-year field general is 5-4 as a starter over the last two seasons.

Pittsburgh enters Sunday at 5-3 and on a four-game winning streak. The club currently sits second in the AFC North behind the 6-3 Baltimore Ravens.

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