Steelers RB James Conner tests positive for COVID-19, Ravens game in jeopardy

The Steelers had another positive test from a player and coach today. Here’s why Pittsburgh’s game against the Ravens is in serious Jeopardy.

If you thought things couldn’t have gone worse for the Steelers vs. Ravens matchup in Week 12 think again. After the NFL has now rescheduled the game twice that was supposed to be played on Thanksgiving night, Adam Schefter of ESPN recently reported that two more Steelers personnel tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday afternoon:

According to a report from NFL Network’s Aditi Kinkhabwala, Steelers running back James Conner was the player who was hit with the COVID-19 virus this time. In addition, one member of the organization also tested positive.

This string of positive tests will no doubt make the NFL think about postponing the game until the end of the season (in which they would be required to schedule in a ‘Week 18’ that doesn’t currently exist) or perhaps even cancelling the game altogether. Considering the position the Steelers were in just a few days ago, this would be incredibly unfortunate.

Why the Steelers were robbed in Week 12

While it’s still possible that this game could go on as scheduled (though it’s looking less likely), the Steelers were robbed of what would have been almost a guaranteed win this week. Earlier this week, Pittsburgh was scheduled to play the Ravens on a short week in which Baltimore would be coming off a hard-fought overtime loss. John Harbaugh’s team would have had just three days to travel to Pittsburgh after their loss and prepare to face the Steelers.

However, a number of positive COVID-19 tests quickly showed up within the Ravens organization and the game was ultimately postponed twice – first to Sunday afternoon, then to Tuesday night. If the game goes on as is currently scheduled, the Steelers would still hold a huge advantage over Baltimore as the Ravens will be without at least 14 players this week. Pittsburgh will be missing players like Stephon Tuitt and James Conner as well, but their losses don’t compare to the ones their opponent will have.

It’s looking increasingly like this game is going to get pushed back until the end of the season. If this is the case, the Steelers not only lose all competitive advantage, they may be forced to play a challenging game with all of their starters if Pittsburgh still needs a win to hold onto first place in the AFC.

At the end of the day, there isn’t anything we can do about Pittsburgh’s schedule except just sit back and let the chips fall where they may. Obviously, we hope for a safe and speedy recovery for all players and coaches involved on both teams, but we really hope this game doesn’t have to be moved.