NFL - NEWS & NOTES

Out for the season...

 

Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt is on the Reserve/COVID-19 List.

The Steelers announced the news on Monday, a day after Watt was on the field against the Bengals. There has been no announcement about whether Watt is vaccinated or unvaccinated, or whether he tested positive for COVID-19 or was put on the list because he had close contact with someone who tested positive.


Watt has struggled with injuries this season but has played very well when healthy, recording 12.5 sacks in nine games.

If Watt is vaccinated, he could potentially play on Sunday against the Ravens, as long as he tests positive on two consecutive days before the game. But most players placed on COVID-19 reserve have had to miss more time than that, and so it’s likely that Watt will miss Sunday’s game.

 

Kevin Stefanski won’t give up Browns’ play calling



Browns coach Kevin Stefanski admits his offense needs to change. But he’s not offering many specifics about what is going to change.

Stefanski said today that he will continue to call the plays on offense, and that the communication among himself, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and line coach Bill Callahan remains strong.


“I’m comfortable with the communication that goes on throughout the week, on game day, the offensive staff is outstanding, especially Bill and Alex throughout the game,” Stefanski said. “So I’m comfortable with how we’re doing it right now. We just have to be better. I have to be better. That’s the truth. But we just have to find ways to stay on the field, get sevens when we get down to the red zone.”

Stefanski has also ruled out benching quarterback Baker Mayfield, so whatever changes are coming to the Browns’ offense, they likely won’t be the kinds of major changes that will be evident on game days. It’s still going to be Stefanski calling the plays that Mayfield has to execute.

PFT

 

I don't like football anymore. Gonna switch to women's volleyball.

 

I beat ya to it.

 

Monday Night Football: J.D. McKissic scores two TDs in 17-15 win over Seahawks



J.D. McKissic had a pair of 10-yard touchdowns — one rushing and one receiving — to help carry the Washington Football Team to a 17-15 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night.

McKissic helped Washington stay in the thick of the playoff chase while potentially dealing a final definitive blow to the playoff aspirations of his former team in Seattle. The Seahawks have now lost six of their last seven games and are playing some of their worst offensive football in over a decade.


McKissic was injured late in the game when his head impacted the thigh of Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs. He was carted off the field with 3:33 left to play.

Taylor Heinicke completed 27-of-35 passes for 223 yards with a touchdown and an interception for Washington.

Meanwhile, a Seahawks team that has been the worst in the NFL by significant margins all season in time of possession and offensive plays run again were dominated in those categories by Washington.

The Seahawks lost the time of possession battle 41:40-18:20. It’s their third straight game getting doubled up in time of possession. They ran just 45 offensive plays, their lowest of the season and surpassing last week’s 49 plays against Arizona. They were just 4-of-12 on third down and gained just 10 first downs to Washington’s 27.

Russell Wilson has been bad for the Seahawks since returning from finger surgery. The team has just three offensive touchdowns in the last three games as Seattle has lost 17-0 to the Green Bay Packers, 23-13 to the Arizona Cardinals and now the loss to Washington.

Wilson completed 20-of-31 passes with 247 yards and two touchdown. The Seahawks had five straight three-and-out possessions and went from the 4:30 mark of the second quarter until the 12:20 mark of the fourth quarter without gaining a single first down.

Washington marched on a 15-play drive in the first quarter that lasted more than nine minutes before they had to settle for a 23-yard Joey Slye field goal and a 3-0 lead.

A 55-yard pass from Wilson to Lockett put Seattle is scoring position and Wilson hit Gerald Everett for a 6-yard touchdown to give Seattle their first lead since Oct. 31.

Jamal Adams picked off Heinicke on a deflected pass intended for Logan Thomas as Seattle seemingly started to grab some momentum. But Alex Collins fumbled on the second play of the ensuing drive with Cole Holcomb recovering to give the ball back to Washington.

McKissic scored his first touchdown of the night on a 10-yard catch-and-run from Heinicke to give Washington a 9-7 lead. But the lead proved extremely brief as Rasheem Green blocked the extra point attempt by Slye and returned it for a defensive two-point conversion to tie the game at 9-9 before halftime. Slye was also injured on the play trying to chase down Green.

McKissic scored on a 10-yard run on Washington’s first drive of the third quarter to put them back in front. With Slye injured, Washington went for two with Antonio Gibson scoring to make it a 17-9 advantage.

Gibson rushed for 111 yards on 29 carries for Washington.

But Seattle’s defense did enough to somehow keep them in the game until the latter stages of the fourth quarter. However, Heinicke and Washington then marched 84 yards on 16 plays to Seattle’s doorstep looking for the final blow. But because Slye was unavailable, they twice went for it on fourth downs, including from Seattle’s 3-yard line. A pass from Heinicke to Thomas was initially ruled a touchdown before being overturned on review to give the Seahawks one last chance.

And because it’s the Seahawks and Wilson, they finally engineered something wild.

Seattle picked up chunks of yardage to move into Washington territory until they were at the WFT 32-yard line with 22 seconds left. Freddie Swain was left wide open up the middle of the field as Wilson connected with him for a touchdown to make it a 17-15 game with just 15 seconds remaining.

A two-point conversion from Wilson to Swain was not successful. Then Seattle appeared to recover an onside kick try only to be called for illegal formation and have the recovery negated. A second attempt was unsuccessful as Washington held on for the victory.

PFT

 

Mike Zimmer says Dalvin Cook is day-to-day, didn’t tear his labrum



A report on Monday said that Vikings running back Dalvin Cook was diagnosed with a torn labrum and a dislocated shoulder after getting hurt in Sunday’s loss to the 49ers, but Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said that was inaccurate later in the day.

Zimmer said “no” when asked if Cook tore his labrum during his press conference and that he was “not going to say” whether Cook dislocated it. Zimmer was also asked if Cook has a chance of playing against the Lions this week.


“I don’t know. It’s day-to-day. That’s what they’re telling me,” Zimmer said, via Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press.

That’s a more promising outlook than the multiple week absence that was part of the report about the nature of the injury, but Zimmer’s initial comments about injuries and reality haven’t always lined up in the past. He repeatedly called a neck injury defensive end Danielle Hunter suffered in training camp last year a tweak and Hunter wound up missing the entire season.

The Vikings will be hoping for a better outcome for Cook after their playoff hopes took a blow on Sunday.

PFT

 

Week 12 ended with Washington beating Seattle 17-15 on Monday night and that win led to a change in the makeup of the Wild Card race in the NFC.

Washington’s third straight win has lifted them to the No. 7 position in the conference with six weeks left in the regular season. They also dug themselves out of a deep hole to win the NFC East last year, so it’s a familiar path for Ron Rivera’s team to follow during the stretch run this year.


Sunday also saw the 49ers jump up to a Wild Card spot by beating the Vikings, who opened play as the No. 6 seed and will now need to win and get help to climb back into a playoff spot. The Saints also tumbled out of playoff position when they lost to the Bills on Thanksgiving, but they join several other teams that still have life in a very tight race for Wild Card spots in the NFC.

There weren’t any changes in the races for divisional titles and here’s how everything shakes out heading into Week 13:

1. Cardinals (9-2) They hope to have quarterback Kyler Murray and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins back as they try to close out the year with a top seed and bye in the first round of the playoffs.

2. Packers (9-3) Quarterback Aaron Rodgers‘ toe may be painful, but his play remained sharp and he’ll now get some rest during the Packers’ bye week.

3. Buccaneers (8-3) A strong second half lifted them to a win over the Colts and beating Atlanta this weekend would put them on the doorstep of clinching the division.

4. Cowboys (7-4) They expect to have several players back in the lineup this Thursday as they try to snap a three-game losing streak and solidify their NFC East lead heading into the final weeks of the season.

5. Rams (7-4) Unlike the Cowboys, they don’t have reinforcements on the way to help them end their own losing streak but they shouldn’t need them to right the ship against the Jaguars.

6. 49ers (6-5) Their running game has propelled them to three straight wins and they’ll try to keep things rolling against the reeling Seahawks this weekend.

7. Washington (5-6) Five NFC East games in the final five weeks will likely decide their fate, but the Raiders are up first this weekend.

8. Vikings (5-6) The schedule offers them a golden opportunity to rebound by sending them to Detroit this weekend.

9. Falcons (5-6) They haven’t beaten a team that currently has a winning record this season and that will likely have to change this weekend for the Falcons to harbor serious playoff hopes.

10. Saints (5-6) Four straight losses have the team set to make a quarterback change in an attempt to salvage their season.

11. Eagles (5-7) A sloppy offensive performance sunk them against the Giants, but they’ll be back at the Meadowlands this weekend with a chance to rebound against the Jets.

12. Panthers (5-7) Christian McCaffrey‘s latest injury and Cam Newton‘s putrid performance over the weekend have the Panthers trending the wrong way entering their bye week.

13. Giants (4-7) The offense didn’t take leaps and bounds without fired offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, but they got a win that keeps some hope alive in Jersey.

14. Bears (4-7) While head coach Matt Nagy didn’t get fired after squeezing past the Lions, the outlook doesn’t look much brighter after the Thanksgiving victory.

15. Seahawks (3-8) It’s now three straight losses since quarterback Russell Wilson returned to the lineup and the Seahawks are just about out of lives.

16. Lions (0-10-1) If the Seahawks keep going on their current path, Week 17 in Seattle may offer them their best chance at a win this season.

PFT

 

The Ravens survived four Lamar Jackson interceptions in a 16-10 win over the Browns on Sunday night and the win has moved them up to the top spot in the AFC playoff picture heading into Week 13.

Baltimore got the boost thanks to their win and the Patriots’ victory over the Titans, who have lost two in a row to drop out of the top seed. They still hold a comfortable lead in the division thanks to the Colts’ loss to the Buccaneers and they’ll hope that the bye week is restorative for a team that’s beat up on multiple fronts right now.


Outside of the top spot, the biggest changes occurred just outside of the playoff picture. Wins by the Broncos and Raiders lifted them up the ranks and leave them with a shot of moving into playoff position if things break right for them this week.

Here’s a look at how all the teams in the AFC stack up:

1. Ravens (8-3) With the Steelers and Browns on tap the next two weeks, the Ravens can both help themselves and deliver fatal blows to the hopes of their division rivals with victories.

2. Patriots (8-4) Their hot streak continued at home against the Titans, which sets up a marquee AFC East matchup for next Monday night in Buffalo.

3. Titans (8-4) The bye week and a Week 14 game against the Jaguars gives hope that the Titans can get back on the right track in time for the final playoff push.

4. Chiefs (7-4) They stayed put during their bye week and will try to start making a run at the top seed against the Broncos on Sunday night.

5. Bengals (7-4) Sunday’s rout of the Steelers keeps the pressure on the Ravens in the race for the AFC North title.

6. Bills (7-4) Beating the Saints has them breathing a little easier, but no one in Buffalo will feel comfortable if they can’t beat the Patriots next Monday.

7. Chargers (6-5) A flop in Denver in Sunday leaves them with a loose grip on a Wild Card spot as they prepare for a road game in Cincinnati this week.

8. Broncos (6-5) They’ll need a repeat of Sunday’s defensive performance if they’re going to leave Kansas City with a win on Sunday night.

9. Raiders (6-5) After beating the Cowboys amid a flurry of penalty flags on Thanksgiving, the Raiders will try to keep moving in the right direction against Washington at home.

10. Colts (6-6) Blowing a 10-point halftime lead to the Buccaneers led to a loss on Sunday, but the Colts can get right against the Texans before resting in Week 14.

11. Browns (6-6) The good news is that the Browns and their battered quarterback Baker Mayfield can rest this week, but the bad news is that a 3-5 mark in their last eight games has them steadily moving in the wrong direction on the playoff front.

12. Steelers (5-5-1) Is it likelier that the Steelers make the playoffs or wind up with their first losing record in head coach Mike Tomlin’s tenure?

13. Dolphins (5-7) They’ve won four straight games and have the Giants and Jets sandwiched around a Week 14 bye, so they’re not counting themselves out of the race at this point.

14. Jets (3-8) Sunday’s win over the Texans does more for the draft order than the playoff picture, but the Jets still have time to move back toward the top pick.

15. Texans (2-9) Their Week 11 win over the Titans feels like even more of a head-scratcher after Sunday’s loss to the Jets.

16. Jaguars (2-9) The Lions will make it difficult for any other team to grab the No. 1 overall pick, but the Jaguars have done their best at making a run at it for the second year in a row.

PFT

 

With all the injuries the Titans are on the inside looking out.

 

The NFL on Tuesday announced slight schedule changes to Weeks 14 and 15 involving potential playoff teams.

The 49ers-Bengals game on Dec. 12 has been moved to a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff on CBS. Both teams would hold wild-card bids if the season ended today. The intriguing interconference matchup is the result of a 17th game added to the regular season. Also in Week 14, the Saints-Jets game remains at 1:00 p.m. ET, but will now be broadcast on CBS.

A week later on Dec. 19, the Packers-Ravens game has also been pushed back to 4:25 p.m. ET and will air on FOX. Green Bay and Baltimore are both division leaders.

NFL.com

 

Cordarrelle Patterson wants to play defense, Falcons’ depth chart lists him as backup safety



Falcons wide receiver/running back/returner Cordarrelle Patterson wants to add another position to his resume, and the Falcons are open to it.

Patterson has said this season that he would like to get some playing time on defense, and has a goal of getting an interception. In Sunday’s win over the Jaguars, Patterson did play one snap on defense, and after the game head coach Arthur Smith said contributing on defense is something Patterson can legitimately do.


“He got his defensive snap,” Smith said of Patterson. “I may put him on the depth chart next week at free safety

Sure enough, the team’s official depth chart now lists him as a backup safety in addition to his roles on offense and special teams.

Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees said the team does have a package that includes Patterson on the field at safety, although Pees added that he hopes not to have to use that package. No one should expect Patterson to be a regular part of the secondary rotation, but there’s not much on the football field that Patterson can’t do.

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He sure has stepped up since being a Viking... bulked up to, looks good.

 

Seahawks sign Adrian Peterson to practice squad



Running back Adrian Peterson’s visit with the Seahawks went well.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said at his Wednesday press conference that Peterson has signed to the Seattle practice squad. Carroll joked that he’s been trying to land Peterson on his team since he was coaching the University of Southern California.


“We didn’t get him back in the day but like I just told him we finally got him,” Carroll said, via Curtis Crabtree of PFT and KJR.

Peterson was cut by the Titans a little more than a week ago. He ran 27 times for 82 yards and a touchdown in three games for Tennessee.

The Seahawks lost Chris Carson for the year to a neck injury and they currently have Rashaad Penny and Travis Homer dealing with injuries.

PFT

 

Cowboys activate Amari Cooper from reserve/COVID-19 list; WR questionable vs. Saints

Amari Cooper is off the COVID-19 list ahead of Thursday night's game against the New Orleans Saints.

The Dallas Cowboys officially activated the receiver from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, and he's listed as questionable for Thursday Night Football.

Cooper, who is unvaccinated, missed the past two games -- both Cowboys losses -- after testing positive for COVID-19.

While Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was optimistic Cooper would return this week, coach Mike McCarthy threw cold water on the assumption the star wideout would be back, saying Tuesday that Cooper was "still not feeling the best." In the end, Jones ended up being right.

The anticipated return of Cooper is a big boon for a flagging Cowboys offense. With CeeDee Lamb, who missed last week with a concussion, also expected back, the Dallas passing offense should be a near full-force against the Saints.

NFL.com

 

Cowboys, Saints collide trying to stem midseason slides


NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The New Orleans Saints have lost four straight for the first time since 2015 and the Dallas Cowboys have been just one victory better during their past four games.

Those coinciding slides set up a pivotal NFC clash in the Superdome on Thursday night when Dallas (7-4) visits New Orleans (5-6).

Complicating matters for the Cowboys will be the absence of at least six coaches - including head coach Mike McCarthy - and at least two players because of a COVID-19 outbreak.

Rookie cornerback Nahshon Wright and right tackle Terence Steele are the players out. Wide receiver Amari Cooper was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday. He has missed the past two games.

McCarthy tested positive Monday and has been participating in virtual meetings.

"One thing about Zoom meetings, especially having gone through it last year, our process is much better in the virtual setting than it was last year," McCarthy said. "I am confident in the way the information is distributed and the ability of the coaches present" at practice and meetings.

"It's like anything; we are far enough into this that everyone understands what we need to get done," McCarthy continued. "I feel good about the prep. I think with all the change going around us, it is making our team focus tighter."

The Saints experienced a similar challenge in Week 2, heading to Carolina without eight assistant coaches. That game didn't go well for New Orleans; the 26-7 defeat was their second-most lopsided loss this season.

The worst loss, however, came in their previous game on Thanksgiving night - a 31-6 drubbing by the Buffalo Bills that had coach Sean Payton saying he'd need to look at everything his team is doing and who is doing it.

One significant change could come at quarterback. Trevor Siemian has lost all four of his starts since helping the Saints top Tampa Bay in a game that saw Jameis Winston go down with a season-ending knee injury.

But now Taysom Hill's recovery from a partial plantar fascia tear appears far enough along that he could either start or play significant snaps at quarterback.

Although Hill went 3-1 as a starter last season while Drew Brees was injured, he has yet to be the primary quarterback for the Saints this season, instead subbing in as a read-option threat or as a receiver. His foot injury occurred while making a catch at Tennessee, as did his concussion at Washington earlier this season.

So Hill's first opportunity to serve as QB No. 1 could come at a time when New Orleans is trying to emerge from a midseason swoon.

"There's nothing like playing quarterback in this league and so certainly that requires an additional amount of energy and responsibility," Hill said. "You have a greater ability to affect the outcome of a game."

LAWRENCE'S RETURN

Dallas defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is set to return for the first time since breaking a foot in practice the week after the opener. The club's highest-paid pass rusher is looking for his first sack, and to make up for lost time. He's almost guaranteed a third consecutive year without reaching 10 sacks after consecutive double-digit years earned him his $105 million contract.

"He's still our leader," said second-year cornerback Trevon Diggs, the NFL's interceptions leader with eight. "Came back, nothing changed, still our leader out there, still vocal, still making sure everyone's doing what they're supposed to out there."

ENCOURAGING SIGNS

During their losing streak, the Saints have been playing without a slew of injured regulars - with no absence more glaring than that of their top offensive player, versatile running back Alvin Kamara. He's missed three games, but returned to practice on a limited basis this week. Fellow running back Mark Ingram, who also missed last week's game, was back at practice, as was starting right tackle Ryan Ramczyk for two practices before sitting out on Tuesday.

"It's good to have guys getting healthy turning the corner, because we need all hands on deck," Ingram said.

However, defensive end and sack leader Marcus Davenport (shoulder) has not practiced this week.

MOVING TARGET

Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott's mobility could present a problem for the Saints, who've struggled in consecutive games to contain adept scramblers. Philadelphia's Jalen Hurts rushed for 69 yards against New Orleans and Buffalo's Josh Allen 43.

"Quarterbacks might not move a lot all season until they play us, you know, then they're running everywhere," Saints defensive end Carl Granderson said. "So, I guess that's going to be the thing for the rest of the year: Every time we play mobile quarterbacks, just to contain them."

ELLIOTT'S HEALTH

McCarthy hinted the Cowboys might rest Ezekiel Elliott with the star running back having increasing difficulty getting around on an injured right knee. But owner/general manager Jerry Jones said on his radio show he expected Elliott "to have a serious load against New Orleans."

Elliott has matched his career low in carries each of the past two weeks with nine. It's the first time in the two-time rushing champ's six-year career that he has had consecutive games with fewer than 10 carries. He's only missed one game in his career because of injury.

"No one's brought it up to me," Elliott said Sunday of the suggestion that he sit for a game. "If they bring it up to me, I've just got to go with what they believe is best for the team."

SI

 

Miles Sanders working again Thursday, DeVonta Smith back to practice



The Eagles have three running backs on the injury report and only one of them was on the field for Thursday’s practice.

Miles Sanders was limited to nine carries in last Sunday’s 13-7 loss to the Giants because of an ankle injury, but he was able to practice in limited fashion on Wednesday. Sanders stopped short of ruling himself in for this weekend’s game against the Jets, but it looks like things are moving in that direction.


“Right now, it’s day-to-day but I feel good. I’ll be practicing today. Hopefully, I’ll be playing,” Sanders said.

Jordan Howard (knee) and Boston Scott (illness) remained off the field on Thursday.

Wide receiver DeVonta Smith joined Scott in sitting out Wednesday with an illness, but he was back on the field Thursday. That’s a good sign for his availability for the Eagles’ second straight trip to MetLife Stadium.

PFT

 

it never ends they don't get better it just stays the same

 

Thursday Night Football: Taysom Hill picked four times as Cowboys roll 27-17



Despite being down six coaches, including head coach Mike McCarthy, the Dallas Cowboys picked up a 27-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night.

Dak Prescott threw for 235 yards with a touchdown and an interception, Tony Pollard added a touchdown on the ground, and the Dallas defense intercepted Taysom Hill four times in his first start at quarterback for New Orleans this season.


With Dan Quinn serving as acting head coach with McCarthy and five other coaches sidelined due to COVID-19 protocols, the Cowboys defense did a great job of containing everything the Saints threw at them. The only thing that had any significant success for the New Orleans offense was Hill running the ball.

Hill was intercepted on three consecutive drives for the Saints in the fourth quarter with defensive tackle Carlos Watkins returning the final pick for a 29-yard clinching touchdown with just under three minutes left to play. Hill did injure his throwing hand colliding with a Dallas defender on a throw in the first half but was able to play through it.

Prescott connected with Michael Gallup on a 1-yard touchdown with less than a minute remaining in the opening quarter to give Dallas a 7-0 lead.

The Saints immediately answered with Hill finding Lil'Jordan Humphrey for 24-yard score to even the game at 7-7.

Greg Zuerlein converted field goal attempts from 55 and 34 yards to give Dallas a 13-7 advantage at halftime.

After Brett Maher‘s 42-yard field goal closed the gap to 13-10 midway through the third quarter, the Cowboys took control. Pollard sprung free for a 58-yard touchdown as he out-ran Saints safety Marcus Williams up the left sideline. While the Cowboys offense was unable to add to the total, the defense started taking the ball away from Hill.

Hill had already been intercepted by Jayron Kearse in the second quarter before getting picked on three straight fourth quarter drives. Damontae Kazee, Trevon Diggs and Watkins all grabbed passes from Hill to thwart any chances of a New Orleans rally. The interception by Diggs was his ninth of the season for Dallas.

Deonte Harris sliced through the Cowboys defense for a 70-yard touchdown on a pass from Hill to cut into the deficit with 2:32 left to play but the Saints wouldn’t get a chance to get any closer.

Hill finished the game 19 of 41 for 264 yards with two touchdowns and the four interceptions. He also rushed for 101 yards on 11 carries for the Saints.

PFT

 

Micah Parsons records 10th sack of the season as rookie for Cowboys



Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons sacked Taysom Hill for an 11-yard loss on the first play of the fourth quarter for his 10th sack of the season.

Parsons is the first Cowboys rookie in franchise history to hit 10 sacks in his first season in the NFL. Parsons had already surpassed DeMarcus Ware’s 8.0 sacks in 2005 for the most sacks by a rookie in team history. Parsons is just the 13th linebacker in league history to post 10 sacks as a rookie.


Parsons has sacks in five straight games for Dallas and is the first rookie to accomplish that feat since Joey Bosa with the San Diego Chargers in 2016. Parsons now has 7.5 sacks in the last five games for the Cowboys.

Parsons leads all rookies in sacks in the NFL. Miami’s Jaelen Phillips (6.5), Azeez Ojulari of the New York Giants (5.5) and Odafe Oweh of the Baltimore Ravens (5.0) are the only other rookies with at least five sacks this season.

Jevon Kearse holds the NFL record for most sacks by a rookie with 14.5 in 1999 for the Tennessee Titans.

Parsons is just the 10th player this season to reach 10 sacks across the league. Parsons joins Myles Garrett (14.0), T.J. Watt (12.5), Matt Judon (11.5), Nick Bosa (11.0), Robert Quinn (11.0), Trey Hendrickson (10.5), Haason Reddick (10.5), Markus Golden (10.0) and Harold Landry (10.0) with double-digit sacks.

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T.J. Watt tests negative for COVID on Friday, setting the stage for a potential return on Sunday



Take heart, Steelers fans. You may have linebacker T.J. Watt for Sunday’s game against the Ravens.

Per multiple sources, Watt tested negative for COVID on Friday. If he generates a second negative test at least 24 hours after today’s test, he will be able to return for Sunday’s game against the Ravens.


Watt originally tested positive on Monday. By rule, a vaccinated player who generates a pair of negative tests at least 24 hours apart can return, with no minimum mandatory absence.

Watt would be the first player to return so quickly from a positive COVID test. Because, however, players are tested once per week, it’s possible that he became positive for the virus not long after generating a negative test the prior week. Thus, he may already be 10 or more days removed from first becoming positive with the virus.

Regardless, he’s one negative test away from playing against the Ravens on Sunday. And that’s very good news for the Steelers. It will be even better news if he tests negative on Saturday.

PFT