It seems the Pittsburgh Steelers will have to wait another day or two before taking the field for their matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Here’s the latest on the schedule change.
The Steelers are 3-0 to start the NFL season – something we haven’t been able to say since they did so exactly a decade ago. In fact, Pittsburgh’s opportunity to advance to 4-0 after their next contest is something that hasn’t been done by this organization since 1979.
However, we may have to wait a bit longer to see if they can post their best record to start the season in 40 years. According to multiple reports, the Tennessee Titans have as many as eight people within the organization who have tested positive for COVID-19. To comply with NFL procedures, Pittsburgh’s road contest against Tennessee has been postponed.
While we initially thought there was a possibility that this contest would be rescheduled later in the season after moving some games around, it looks like Steelers and Titans fans will only have to wait another day or two before watching their undefeated teams take the field in search of a 4-0 start.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported Wednesday that this game will likely be rescheduled for Monday or Tuesday of this coming week:
After another positive test for the #Titans, bringing their total to 4 players who tested positive, and with their facility currently closed, their game vs. the #Steelers will now be played either Monday or Tuesday, rather than Sunday. The first COVID-19 schedule alteration.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 30, 2020
This is encouraging news for fans who were eager to see these teams in action this week. Unfortunately for Titans fans, their practices will be cut short, as the team will likely not be permitted to join together again until just a day before the game.
This would give a clear and obvious advantage to the Pittsburgh Steelers this week, as practices have resumed as normal for Mike Tomlin’s squad. As a result of the positive COVID tests from the Titans, oddsmakers immediately shut down betting lines for the time being (and perhaps altogether). Without Tennessee being able to come together and prepare for Pittsburgh this week, we have no idea what kind of disadvantage they will be facing.
The Steelers have had their ups and downs within the first three weeks of the season, but the chips have fallen their way in the early going – thanks in large part to one of the league’s best defenses and perhaps the best front seven in the NFL.
Steelers can’t take Tennessee lightly
Pittsburgh can practically cement themselves into a playoff spot in the AFC this year with a 4-0 start, so it’s crucial that the players don’t take this game lightly. Just because Titans head coach, Mike Vrabel, will be at a disadvantage with his team not practicing this week doesn’t mean they can’t still come away with a victory on their own turf in Week 4.
The Titans have a bruising running back and an efficient quarterback. They are one of the few teams in the league that doesn’t have a glaring weakness on either side of the ball. Even with a full week of preparation, this win isn’t guaranteed for the Steelers.
It will be interesting to see how this schedule change will have an impact on the game – whether it is played on Monday or Tuesday. While this certainly isn’t ideal for the Titans, I’m just glad we still get to see some Steelers football this weekend. Let’s hope everything runs smoothly from now until game day.